Unit Plan
Writing Informative Texts Unit Plan – Year 5 and Year 6
This English unit addresses the informative text type; specifically, how to write a well-structured informative text.
It consists of 10 lessons of approximately 60 minutes duration.
The sequence of lessons and suggested time frames should be regarded as a guide only; teachers should pace lessons in accordance with the individual learning needs of their class.
An independent writing task, which may couple as an assessment task, is included in the unit. The number of lessons required to complete this task may vary from class to class.
This unit of work addresses the broad textual focus of informative writing. Teachers are encouraged to select a specific informative text type to focus on throughout the unit e.g. information report, factual description, explanation. In addition to this, teachers may also wish to select a specific content focus for students to write about e.g. objects, animals, phenomena. The resources accompanying this unit have been specifically designed to provide choice for teachers in these two areas.
Overview
Objectives
- To introduce the purpose and types of informative texts.
- To identify the difference between a fact and an opinion.
- To identify and explore the structure of informative texts.
- To identify and explore the language features of informative texts.
- To explore the correct paragraph structure for informative writing.
- To correctly construct an informative paragraph.
- To use a fact file and scaffolding sheet to write an informative text in pairs.
- To learn and apply proofreading and editing skills.
- To take appropriate notes from an informative text.
- To independently write an informative text, using appropriate text structure, language and features.
Preparing for Learning
Informative writing provides excellent opportunities for cross-curricular integration. Look for ways to meaningfully integrate informative writing with other learning areas e.g. Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Technology. Before commencing the unit, choose a content focus for informative writing which links with the learning taking place in these other subject areas.
Develop an informative writing wall in the classroom before commencing the unit. Display texts, word wall vocabulary and posters that will stimulate the students’ interest and assist in their learning. For examples of teaching resources to display in your classroom, browse the Informative Writing category on the Teach Starter website.
Expose the students to a variety of informative texts before and during the unit. Read and view factual texts such as non-fiction books, newspaper reports and documentaries. Provide students with opportunities to read and respond to short informative texts. For examples of informative text comprehension resources, browse the Comprehension Texts category on the Teach Starter website.
Some of the resources which accompany this unit plan will need to be prepared prior to teaching. For this reason, it is advised that teachers browse through all lessons before commencing the unit.
Lessons
Resources
Common Core State Standards alignment
- Grade 5 > English Language Arts Standards > Reading: Informational Text > Key Ideas and Details > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.2
Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text....
- Grade 6 > English Language Arts Standards > Reading: Informational Text > Key Ideas and Details > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2
Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments....
- Grade 5 > English Language Arts Standards > Writing > Text Types and Purposes > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly....
- Grade 5 > English Language Arts Standards > Writing > Production and Distribution of Writing > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.5
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to and inc...
- Grade 6 > English Language Arts Standards > Writing > Text Types and Purposes > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content....
- Grade 6 > English Language Arts Standards > Writing > Production and Distribution of Writing > CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.5
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to an...
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