Unit Overview/Summary

The ELA model units support the implementation of an effective and comprehensive core classroom (Tier I) reading instructional program. It is essential to select and implement instructional practices supported by a body of knowledge derived from scientifically-based reading research. Considering the multidisciplinary research on the science of reading and related instructional components, using evidence-based instructional methods, and learning activities that apply the components of the science of reading (i.e., phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, and listening, reading, and language comprehension) facilitates students’ working knowledge of reading processes and skills. Additional information about foundational reading skills and the sub-skills or prerequisite skills students must acquire to achieve the foundational skills, can be found in the document, Building the Foundation: A Suggested Progression of Sub-skills to Achieve the Reading Standards: Foundational Skills in the Common Core State Standards. This document also contains a variety of instructional examples, organized by foundational skill and grade level.   

Unit Focus:

This unit is designed to foster students’ sense of a reading and writing community within the classroom that encourages collaborative engagement. As students develop an understanding of the reciprocal nature of reading and writing (e.g., phonemic knowledge, orthographic knowledge, semantic knowledge, and syntactic knowledge), they will deepen their understanding of what has been read aloud as well as read independently in their classroom community.  

Unit Duration:

20 days (0 reteach/enrichment days); Based on 180 minutes to 240 minutes per day