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 

Unit Focus:

This unit focuses on deep analysis of non-fiction texts as students compare texts and study the way an author’s craft shapes the way information is communicated. Through various author studies, students will discover the way an author informs an audience as they explore the intentional decisions made when creating informative texts. Using authors’ texts as mentor texts, students will have the opportunity to actively practice and make decisions as writers, about how their texts are developed to inform an audience. This unit offers the opportunity for the transfer of foundational reading skills learned throughout the year as students must apply their abilities to decode regularly spelled one-syllable and two-syllable words as well as recognize grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words to read informational texts fluently, and with purpose and understanding. 

Unit Duration:

25 days (20 instructional days and 5 reteach/enrichment days); Based on 180 minutes to 240 minutes per day