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 focuses on the exploration of reading and writing for different purposes and the understanding that texts are organized in different ways according to their purpose. This unit focuses specifically on building (1) an understanding of the features of informational text, and (2) students’ ability to identify the main topic and retell key details of informational texts. Through an integrated genre study, students will experience active opportunities to practice speaking about, listening to, reading, and writing informative and narrative nonfiction texts. This unit continues to develop foundational skills and language competencies, as students are expected to apply strategies for decoding and encoding one-syllable words in reading and writing.  

Unit Duration:

30 days (25 instructional days and 5 reteach/enrichment days); Based on 180 minutes to 240 minutes per day