Unit-at-a-Glance Detail | EL Education Curriculum

You are here

ELA G5:M1:U2

Writing to Inform: Threats to Human Rights in Esperanza Rising

Each unit is made up of a sequence of between 5-20 lessons. The “unit at a glance” chart in the curriculum map breaks down each unit into its lessons, to show how the curriculum is organized in terms of standards address, supporting targets, ongoing assessment, and protocols. It also indicates which lessons include the mid-unit and end-of-unit assessments.

Lesson 1Analyzing Character Reactions: Esperanza Rising: “Las Cebollas”

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening 

A. Engaging the Reader: Recounting “Las Cebollas” (5 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time 

A. Analyzing Character Reactions to the Camp in “Las Cebollas” (20 minutes)

B. Analyzing a Model Paragraph to Generate Criteria (10 minutes)

C. Group Writing: Esperanza’s Reaction to the Camp (10 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment 

A. Connecting Esperanza Rising, the UDHR, and the Present: A Life Like Mine (10 minutes)

4. Homework 

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can analyze the reactions of characters to the camp in "Las Cebollas." (RL.5.1, RL.5.3)
  • I can write a paragraph about a character's reaction to the camp in "Las Cebollas." (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.9, W.5.9a)
  • Character Reaction Note-catcher: "Las Cebollas" (RL.5.1, RL.5.3)
  • Character Reaction Paragraph: Esperanza (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.9, W.5.9a)
  • Thumb-O-Meter

Lesson 2Metaphors in Esperanza Rising: “Las Almendras”

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening 

A. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

B. Engaging the Reader: “Las Almendras” of Esperanza Rising (20 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Making Connections between the UDHR and “Las Almendras” (10 minutes)

B. Interpreting Metaphors in “Las Almendras” (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Whole Group Share (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Complete Esperanza Rising: Questions about “Las Almendras” in your Unit 2 Homework.

B. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can describe how pages 121-138 of Esperanza Rising contribute to the overall structure of the story. (RL.5.1, RL.5.5)
  • I can interpret metaphors in "Las Almendras." (RL.5.1, L.5.5a)
  • Connections between Esperanza Rising and articles of the UDHR on sticky notes
  • Metaphor Questions: "Las Almendras" (RL.5.1, L.5.5a)
  • Red Light, Green Light

Lesson 3Analyzing Character Reactions: Esperanza Rising: “Las Ciruelas”

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening 

A. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

B. Engaging the Reader: “Las Ciruelas” of Esperanza Rising (20 minutes)

2. Work Time 

A. Making Connections between the UDHR and “Las Ciruelas” (10 minutes)

B. Analyzing Character Reactions to Mama’s Sickness in “Las Ciruelas” (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment 

A. Group Writing: Hortensia’s Reaction to Mama’s Sickness (5 minutes)

4. Homework 

A. Write a character reaction paragraph for either Mama or Esperanza using your Character Reaction Note-catcher: “Las Ciruelas.”

B. Complete: Esperanza Rising: Questions about “Las Ciruelas” in your Unit 2 Homework.

C. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can describe how pages 139-157 of Esperanza Rising contribute to the overall structure of the story. (RL.5.1, RL.5.3)
  • I can analyze and write a paragraph about the reactions of characters to Mama's sickness in "Las Ciruelas." (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.9, W.5.9a)
  • Character Reaction Note-catcher: "Las Ciruelas" (RL.5.1, RL.5.3)
  • Character Reaction Paragraph: Hortensia (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.9, W.5.9a)
  • Red Light, Green Light

Lesson 4Metaphors in Esperanza Rising: “Las Papas”

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

B. Engaging the Reader: “Las Papas” of Esperanza Rising (20 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Making Connections between the UDHR and “Las Papas” (10 minutes)

B. Interpreting Metaphors in “Las Papas” (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Whole Group Share (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Complete Esperanza Rising: Questions about “Las Papas” in your Unit 2 Homework.

B. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can describe how pages 158-178 of Esperanza Rising contribute to the overall structure of the story. (RL.5.1, RL.5.5)
  • I can interpret metaphors in "Las Papas." (RL.5.1, RL.5.2, L.5.5a)
  • I can identify themes in Esperanza Rising. (RL.5.1, RL.5.2)
  • Connections between Esperanza Rising and articles of the UDHR on sticky notes
  • Metaphors Note-catcher: Abuelita's Blanket (RL.5.1, RL.5.2, L.5.5a)

Lesson 5Making Connections: “Los Aguacates” and Article 2 of the UDHR

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

B. Engaging the Reader: “Los Aguacates” of Esperanza Rising (20 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Making Connections between the UDHR and “Los Aguacates” (10 minutes)

B. Answering Questions about “Los Aguacates” (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Connecting Esperanza Rising, the UDHR, and the Present: A Life Like Mine (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can describe how pages 179-198 of Esperanza Rising contribute to the overall structure of the story. (RL.5.1, RL.5.5)
  • I can quote accurately from Esperanza Rising and the UDHR to answer questions about "Los Aguacates." (RL.5.1, RI.5.1)
  • Making Connections between "Los Aguacates" and the UDHR (RL.5.1, RI.5.1)
  • Thumb-O-Meter

Lesson 6Analyzing Character Reactions: Esperanza Rising: “Los Espárragos”

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

B. Engaging the Reader: “Los Espárragos” of Esperanza Rising (20 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Making Connections between the UDHR and “Los Espárragos” (10 minutes)

B. Analyzing Character Reactions to the Immigration Sweep in “Los Espárragos” (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Group Writing: Marta’s Reaction to the Immigration Sweep (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Write a character reaction paragraph for either Esperanza or Josefina using your Character Reaction Note-catcher: “Los Espárragos.”

B. Complete Esperanza Rising: Questions about “Los Espárragos” in your Unit 2 Homework.

C. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can describe how pages 199-213 of Esperanza Rising contribute to the overall structure of the story. (RL.5.1, RL.5.5)
  • I can analyze and write a paragraph about the reactions of characters to the strike in "Los Esparragos." (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.9, W.5.9a)
  • Character Reaction Note-catcher: "Los Esparragos" (RL.5.1, RL.5.3)
  • Character Reaction Paragraph: Marta (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.9, W.5.9a)

Lesson 7Analyzing Character Reactions: Esperanza Rising: “Los Duraznos”

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

B. Engaging the Reader: “Los Duraznos” of Esperanza Rising (20 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Making Connections between the UDHR and “Los Duraznos” (10 minutes)

B. Analyzing Character Reactions to Miguel Losing His Job in “Los Duraznos” (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Group Writing: Miguel’s Reaction to Losing His Job (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Complete Esperanza Rising: Questions about “Los Duraznos” in your Unit 2 Homework.

B. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can describe how pages 214-233 of Esperanza Rising contribute to the overall structure of the story. (RL.5.1, RL.5.5)
  • I can write a paragraph about Miguel's reaction to losing his job in "Los Duraznos." (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.9, W.5.9a)
  • Character Reaction Note-catcher: "Los Duraznos" (RL.5.1, RL.5.3)
  • Character Reaction Paragraph: Miguel (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.9, W.5.9a)
  • Thumb-O-Meter

Lesson 8Writing a Character Reaction Paragraph: Esperanza Rising: “Los Duraznos”

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Engaging the Reader: Recounting “Los Duraznos” (5 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Independent Writing: Esperanza’s Reaction to Miguel Losing His Job (25 minutes)

B. Peer Critique: Character Reaction Paragraph (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Connecting “Los Durzanos” to Article 2 of the UDHR (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can write a paragraph about Esperanza's reaction to Miguel losing his job in "Los Duraznos." (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.5, W.5.9, W.5.9a)
  • I can critique my partner's character reaction paragraph and provide kind, helpful, and specific feedback. (W.5.2, W.5.5)
  • Character Reaction Paragraph: Esperanza (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.5, W.5.9, W.5.9a)
  • Thumb-O-Meter
  • Peer Critique

Lesson 9Metaphors in Esperanza Rising: “Las Uvas”

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

B. Engaging the Reader: “Las Uvas” of Esperanza Rising (20 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Interpreting Metaphors in “Las Uvas” (30 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Whole Group Share (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can describe how pages 234-253 of Esperanza Rising contribute to the overall structure of the story. (RL.5.1, RL.5.5)
  • I can interpret metaphors in "Las Uvas." (RL.5.1, L.5.5a)
  • I can identify themes in Esperanza Rising. (RL.5.1, RL.5.2)
  • Connections between Esperanza Rising and articles of the UDHR on sticky notes
  • Metaphors Note-catcher: The River (RL.5.1, L.5.5a)
  • Thumb-O-Meter

Lesson 10Mid-Unit 2 Assessment: Interpreting Metaphors and Analyzing Character Reactions

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Returning End of Unit 1 Assessments (5 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Mid-Unit 2 Assessment: Interpreting Metaphors and Analyzing Character Reactions (35 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Making Connections between Esperanza Rising and the Author’s Note (20 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can interpret metaphors in Esperanza Rising. (RL.5.1, L.5.5a)
  • I can identify themes in Esperanza Rising. (RL.5.1, RL.5.2)
  • I can analyze the reactions of characters to Isabel not being Queen of the May in Esperanza Rising. (RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.10, W.5.9, W.5.9a, L.5.5, L.5.5a)
  • Mid-Unit 2 Assessment: Interpreting Metaphors and Analyzing Character Reactions (RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.10, W.5.9, W.5.9a, L.5.5, L.5.5a)

Lesson 11Character Reactions in Esperanza Rising: Writing a Two-Voice Poem

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Reviewing Learning Target (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Mini Lesson: Two-Voice Poem (15 minutes)

B. Writing a Two-Voice Poem (35 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Small Group Poetry Share (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can write a two-voice poem showing the reactions of two characters to an event/situation in Esperanza Rising. (RL.5.3, W.5.3, W.5.4, W.5.9a)
  • Partner two-voice poem (RL.5.3, W.5.3, W.5.4, W.5.9a)
  • Thumb-O-Meter

Lesson 12Writing a Literary Essay: Analyzing a Model

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Engaging the Reader: Model Literary Essay (10 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Target (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Analyzing a Model: The Painted Essay (30 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Research Reading Share (15 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

B. For ELLs: Complete Language Dive 1 Practice in your Unit 2 Homework.

  • I can use the Painted Essay structure to analyze a model. (W.5.2, W.5.5)
  • Painted Essay(r) template
  • Red Light, Green Light

Lesson 13Writing a Literary Essay: Introduction

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. The Painted Essay: Sorting and Color-Coding the Parts of an Introductory Paragraph (10 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (10 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Mini Lesson: Producing Complete Sentences (5 minutes)

B. Independent Writing: Writing an Introduction (25 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Small Group Poetry Share (10 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can plan and write an introductory paragraph for my essay. (W.5.2a, W.5.4, W.5.9a)
  • I can recognize and write a complete sentence. (L.5.1)
  • Introduction to literary essay (W.5.2a, W.5.4, W.5.9a)
  • Thumb-O-Meter

Lesson 14Writing a Literary Essay: Proof Paragraphs

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. The Painted Essay: Sorting and Color-Coding the Parts of the Proof Paragraphs (15 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Target (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Independent Writing: Writing Proof Paragraphs 1 and 2 (30 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Small Group Poetry Share (10 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can write Proof Paragraphs 1 and 2 of my essay. (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2a, W.5.2b, W.5.4, W.5.9a)
  • Proof Paragraphs 1 and 2 of literary essay (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2a, W.5.2b, W.5.4, W.5.9a)
  • Proof Paragraph Writing template (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2a, W.5.2b, W.5.4, W.5.9a)
  • Red Light, Green Light

Lesson 15Writing a Literary Essay: Conclusion

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening 

A. The Painted Essay: Sorting and Color-Coding the Parts of a Conclusion Paragraph (10 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Target (5 minutes)

2. Work Time 

A. Independent Writing: Writing a Conclusion Paragraph (30 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment 

A. Research Reading Share (15 minutes)

4. Homework 

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can write the conclusion of my essay. (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2a, W.5.2e, W.5.4, W.5.9a)
  • Character Reaction Reflections note-catcher (W.5.2e)
  • Conclusion of partner literary essay (RL.5.1, RL.5.3, W.5.2a, W.5.2e, W.5.4, W.5.9a)
  • Thumb-O-Meter

Lesson 16End of Unit 2 Assessment: Revising a Literary Essay

Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening 

A. Returning Mid-Unit 2 Assessment (5 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time 

A. Mini Lesson: Linking Words and Phrases (20 minutes)

B. Peer Critique: Linking Words and Phrases (15 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment 

A. End of Unit 2 Assessment: Revising a Literary Essay (15 minutes)

4. Homework 

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.

  • I can critique my partner's essay and provide kind, helpful, and specific feedback. (W.5.2, W.5.5)
  • I can revise my literary essay based on peer feedback. (W.5.2c, W.5.2d, W.5.5, W.5.6, W.5.10, L.5.2d, L.5.6)
  • End of Unit 2 Assessment: Revising a Literary Essay (W.5.2c, W.5.2d, W.5.5, W.5.6, W.5.10, L.5.2d, L.5.6)
  • Peer Critique
  • Thumb-O-Meter

Get updates about our new K-5 curriculum as new materials and tools debut.

Sign Up