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ELA G4:M3:U3

Using Writing to Share an Opinion

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.

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Lesson 1Reading Opinion Texts: Determining an Author’s Opinion
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Entrance Ticket: Identifying Opinion from Divided Loyalties (10 minutes)

B. Reviewing Performance Task and Learning Targets (10 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Reading Aloud and Determining the Gist: William Barton’s Letter (15 minutes)

B. Determining Reasons and Evidence: William Barton’s Letter (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Exploring Opinions as Readers and Writers (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can determine an author's opinion in a text. (RI.4.8)
  • I can explain how an author supports an opinion with reasons and evidence. (RI.4.8)
  • Annotated William Barton's letter (RI.4.8)

Lesson 2Reading Opinion Texts: Determining an Author’s Opinion
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Engaging the Reader: Opinion in Divided Loyalties (5 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Reading Aloud and Determining the Gist: Robert Barton’s Letter (15 minutes)

B. Independent Practice: Determining Reasons and Evidence (30 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Exit Ticket: Determining an Opinion (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can determine an author's opinion in a text. (RI.4.8)
  • I can explain how an author supports an opinion with reasons and evidence. (RI.4.8)
  • Annotated Robert Barton's letter (RI.4.8)
  • Exit Ticket: Determining an Opinion (RI.4.8, W.4.1)

Lesson 3Preparing to Write: Determining Characteristics of the Format
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Research Reading Share (15 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Target (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Discussing Opinion during the American Revolution (10 minutes)

B. Poster Walk: Exploring Broadsides (15 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Back-to-Back and Face-to-Face: Reflecting on Learning (10 minutes)

B. Preparing for the Mid-Unit 3 Assessment (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can identify the characteristics of a broadside. (W.4.1, W.4.4, SL.4.1)
  • Participation in creation of Characteristics of Broadsides anchor chart (W.4.1, W.4.4, SL.4.1)
  • Poster Walk
  • Back-to-back and Face-to-Face

Lesson 4Mid-Unit 3 Assessment: Reading and Answering Questions about an Opinion Text
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Returning End of Unit 2 Assessments (5 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Target (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Practice Using Opinion Words and Discussing Guiding Questions (10 minutes)

B. Mid-Unit 3 Assessment: Reading and Answering Questions about an Opinion Text (30 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Tracking Progress (10 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can explain how an author supports an opinion with reasons and evidence. (RI.4.1, RI.4.2, RI.4.8)
  • Mid-Unit 3 Assessment: Reading and Answering Questions about an Opinion Text (RI.4.1, RI.4.2, RI.4.8)

Lesson 5Writing Opinion Texts: Analyzing a Model
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Engaging the Reader: Reading Aloud and Determining the Gist (15 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Target (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Analyzing a Model (20 minutes)

B. Language Dive I: Violence Is Not the Answer! (15 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Reflecting on Learning (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Choose and respond to an opinion QuickWrite prompt in your Unit 3 homework.

B. Complete the Language Dive I Practice: Violence Is Not the Answer! in your homework resources.

C. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can use the Painted Essay structure to analyze a model. (W.4.1, W.4.4, W.4.5)
  • The Painted Essay(r) template (W.4.1, W.4.4, W.4.5)
  • Language Dive Note-catcher I: Violence Is Not the Answer! (L.4.1e)

Lesson 6Writing Opinion Texts: Planning a Broadside
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Guided Practice: Planning a Broadside (20 minutes)

B. Independent Practice: Planning a Broadside (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Peer Critique: Opinion Writing Planning (15 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Choose and respond to an opinion QuickWrite prompt in your Unit 3 homework.

B. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can plan a broadside that states an opinion and has reasons that are supported by facts and details. (W.4.1, W.4.4, W.4.5, W.4.9b)
  • I can give kind, helpful, and specific feedback to my partner. (W.4.5, SL.4.1)
  • Opinion Writing Planning graphic organizer (W.4.1, W.4.4, W.4.5, W.4.9b)

Lesson 7Writing Opinion Texts: Drafting the Introduction of a Broadside
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 (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Mini Lesson: Prepositional Phrases (10 minutes)

B. Independent Writing: Drafting an Introduction (30 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Sharing Our Work (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Complete the Prepositional Phrases I practice in your Unit 3 homework.

B. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can identify prepositional phrases in a sentence. (L.4.1e)
  • I can write an introductory paragraph for my broadside giving context on the issue and clearly stating my opinion. (W.4.1a)
  • Introduction to Patriot broadside (W.4.1a)

Lesson 8Writing Opinion Texts: Drafting Proof Paragraph 1 of a Broadside
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. The Painted Essay: Sorting and Color-Coding the Parts of Proof Paragraph 1 (15 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Independent Writing: Drafting Proof Paragraph 1 (20 minutes)

B. Peer Critique: Proof Paragraph 1 (15 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Annotating Drafts for Revision (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Complete the Prepositional Phrases II practice in your Unit 3 homework.

B. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can write Proof Paragraph 1 of my broadside using evidence from the text to support a reason for my opinion. (W.4.1a, W.4.1b, W.4.1c)
  • I can give kind, helpful, and specific feedback to my partner. (W.4.5, SL.4.1)
  • Proof Paragraph 1 of Patriot broadside (W.4.1a, W.4.1b, W.4.1c)

Lesson 9Writing Opinion Texts: Drafting Proof Paragraph 2 of a Broadside
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. The Painted Essay: Sorting and Color-Coding the Parts of Proof Paragraph 2 (15 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Independent Writing: Drafting Proof Paragraph 2 (20 minutes)

B. Guided Practice: Revising Proof Paragraphs 1 and 2 (15 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Reflecting on Learning (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Choose and respond to an opinion QuickWrite prompt in your Unit 3 homework.

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

  • I can write Proof Paragraph 2 of my broadside using evidence from the text to support a reason for my opinion. (W.4.1b)
  • I can revise the proof paragraphs of my broadside for linking words and phrases, prepositional phrases, and complete sentences. (W.4.1c, W.4.5, L.4.1e, L.4.1f)
  • Proof Paragraph 2 of Patriot broadside (W.4.1b, W.4.1c, W.4.5, L.4.1e, W.4.1f)

Lesson 10Writing Opinion Texts: Drafting the Conclusion Paragraph of a Broadside
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 Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Mini Lesson: Prepositional Phrases (20 minutes)

B. Independent Writing: Drafting a Conclusion Paragraph (20 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Reflecting on Learning (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Choose and respond to an opinion QuickWrite prompt in your Unit 3 homework.

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

  • I can write a conclusion paragraph for my broadside. (W.4.1d)
  • I can form and use prepositional phrases. (L.4.1e)
  • Conclusion paragraph of Patriot broadside (W.4.1d)

Lesson 11Writing Opinion Texts: Revising a Broadside
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Research Reading Share (10 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Mini Lesson: Frequently Confused Words (15 minutes)

B. Independent Practice: Revising a Broadside (15 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Independent Practice: Planning a Broadside (15 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Complete the Frequently Confused Words practice in your Unit 3 homework.

B. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can correctly use frequently confused words in my writing. (L.4.1g)
  • I can revise my broadside for correct use of prepositional phrases, complete sentences, and frequently confused words. (W.4.1, W.4.5, L.4.1e, L.4.1f, L.4.1g)
  • Revised Patriot broadside (W.4.1, W.4.5, L.4.1e, L.4.1f, L.4.1g)

Lesson 12End of Unit 3 Assessment, Part I: Opinion Writing; Loyalist Broadside
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Returning Mid-Unit 3 Assessments (5 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. End of Unit 3 Assessment, Part I: Drafting an Opinion Piece (45 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Preparing for End of Unit 3 Assessment, Part II (5 minutes)

4. Homework

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

  • I can form and use prepositional phrases. (L.4.1e)
  • I can correctly use frequently confused words. (L.4.1g)
  • I can write a broadside stating my opinion on the American Revolution from the Loyalist perspective. (RI.4.9, W.4.1a-d, W.4.5, W.4.9b, W.4.10, L.4.1e, L.4.1g)
  • End of Unit 3 Assessment, Part I (RI.4.9, W.4.1a-d, W.4.5, W.4.9b, W.4.10, L.4.1e, L.4.1g)

Lesson 13End of Unit 3 Assessment, Part II: Opinion Writing: Loyalist Broadside
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. End of Unit 3 Assessment, Part II: Revising for Linking Words, Prepositional Phrases, and Frequently Confused Words (25 minutes)

B. Tracking Progress (10 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Preparing for a Text-Based Discussion: The American Revolution (20 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can revise my broadside for linking words and phrases, prepositional phrases, and frequently confused words. (W.4.1c, W.4.5, L.4.1e, L.4.1g)
  • I can prepare for a text-based discussion by forming an opinion and identifying reasons and evidence. (RI.4.9, SL.4.1a)
  • End of Unit 3 Assessment, Part II (W.4.1c, W.4.5, L.4.1e, L.4.1g)
  • Preparing for a Text-Based Discussion: American Revolution note-catcher (RI.4.9, SL.4.1a)

Lesson 14Writing Opinion Texts: Publishing a Broadside
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Poster Walk: Reexamining Broadsides from the Revolutionary War (10 minutes)

B. Reviewing Learning Targets (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Modeling: Using Technology to Publish (10 minutes)

B. Independent Work and Conferring (30 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Reflecting on Listening (5 minutes)

4. Homework

A. Accountable Research Reading. Select a prompt and respond in the front of your independent reading journal.
  • I can correct conventions based on editing notes on my writing and online reference resources. (W.4.1, W.4.5, L.4.1, L.4.2)
  • I can publish a typed version of my broadside. (W.4.6)
  • Loyalist broadside (final copy) (W.4.1, W.4.5, W.4.6, L.4.1, L.4.2)
  • Poster Walk

Lesson 15Performance Task: Participating in a Text-Based Discussion
Agenda Daily Learning Targets Ongoing Assessment Anchor Charts & Protocols

1. Opening

A. Reviewing Learning Target (5 minutes)

2. Work Time

A. Participating in a Text-Based Discussion: American Revolution (30 minutes)

B. Reflecting on Discussion (10 minutes)

3. Closing and Assessment

A. Sharing Our Work (15 minutes)

4. Homework

A. None
  • I can follow discussion norms to participate in a productive discussion about my opinion of the American Revolution. (RI.4.9, SL.4.1a)
  • Participation in text-based discussion (RI.4.9, SL.4.1)
  • Fishbowl

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