Fifth Grade Introduction to Writing Unit – ELA Skill Builder

Make your writing instruction meaningful with this engaging fifth grade introduction to writing unit! This unit introduces students to the writing workshop model and takes students through the entire writing process for one narrative story.

BENEFITS OF FIFTH GRADE INTRODUCTION TO WRITING UNIT

• Entirely research-based, ensuring effective teaching strategies.
• Lessons are simple and explicit, providing the scaffolding students need.
• Incorporates the writing workshop approach and 6 traits of writing.
• Aligned with Common Core State Standards.
• Everything you need for the unit is included and ready to use!

MATERIALS INCLUDED 

Here’s what’s included in this fifth grade introduction to writing unit:

1. Scope & Sequence: Includes a full list of writing lessons for the year.
2. Lessons Plans: Includes 10 daily lessons (2 weeks worth of lessons) that guide students through the writing process for 1 narrative. Each lesson plan uses the “writing workshop” model and includes a mini-lesson, student writing time, and sharing time.
3. Mentor Text: Includes a mentor text that is used to introduce writing workshop and inspire your students.
4. Posters: Includes 9 attractive writing posters (both color and black/white options) that are used to display key information and writing strategies taught in the mini-lessons.
5. Graphic Organizers: Includes 3 graphic organizers that students use to plan their narrative in the prewriting stage.
6. Writing Paper: Includes printable writing paper that students use for drafting and publishing their narrative.
7. Writing Samples: Includes sample graphic organizers and drafts that teachers can use for modeling.
8. Rubric: Includes a rubric to assess students’ final draft using the 6+1 traits of writing: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation.
9. Conferencing Forms: Includes a conferencing schedule and conferencing forms to use for daily writing conferences with students.
10. Book of Words: Includes a “Book of Words” that students can use to record the spelling of new words.
11. Bonus Materials: Includes a 5-day grammar lesson on action verbs.

Prep is quick and easy… Just print your lesson plans and posters, copy the student materials, and you’re ready to go!

LESSONS & SKILLS INCLUDED

Here are some of the skills covered in this fifth grade introduction to writing unit. Check out the preview for a full list of lessons.

• Understand the 3 parts of writing workshop.
• Understand the stages of the writing process.
• Brainstorm a list of ideas to write about.
• Plan and write 1 narrative on a focused topic.
• Use spelling strategies to spell unknown words.
• Add details to strengthen writing.
• Use transition words to show the sequence of events.
• Revise, edit, and publish 1 narrative.

A TYPICAL DAILY WRITING WORKSHOP

1. Mini-lesson and Modeling (10-20 minutes): Each lesson begins with a mini-lesson where students are taught a writing strategy with the use of mentor texts and posters. Then the teacher models the writing strategy in their own writing. 
2. Writing Time (15-30 minutes): Students apply the strategy from the mini-lesson into their own writing. 
3. Sharing Time (5-10 minutes):  Students share a piece of their writing from the day with a partner or the class.

WHAT OTHER TEACHERS HAVE TO SAY

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Regina says: “This resource has been very helpful! It’s engaging and helps provide a systematic order and practice for young writers.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Steven says: “These lessons are great, well sequenced and doesn’t include too much in one session. ”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lashay says: “Loved this resource. Easy to follow, low prep, and a great introduction to writers workshop!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lauren says: “I am a first year teacher teaching writing workshop and this resourced saved me! I had no idea where to start but after purchasing this resource, I am extremely confident this is going to be a great writing workshop year! :)”

• Unit 2: Personal Narrative
• Unit 3: Realistic Fiction
• Unit 4: Informational Writing
• Unit 5: Opinion Writing

FIFTH GRADE CURRICULUM BUNDLES

• Fifth Grade Writing Curriculum
• Fifth Grade Grammar Curriculum

© Jen Goasdone, ELA Skill Builder 2023

Permission to copy for single classroom use only. Please purchase additional licenses if you intend to share this product.