Digital Unit Plan Template

Unit Title: Everyday Writing

Name: Evan Narasky

Content Area: English

Grade Level: 9th

CA Content Standard(s)/Common Core Standard(s):

1c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between
claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
2d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.
3d. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences,
events, and/or characters.
5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on
addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
10.) Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single
sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audience.
Big Ideas:
The main focus of this unit is to illustrate to each student that they are capable of writing, and doing so successfully. Previously,
many students have had bad experiences with writing, the idea behind this unit is to not only show students the proper way to
write essays, but also craft a bridge in their minds between creative writing and essay writing. Writing is an art form, and even
when writing a research paper, however methodical and dry it may seem, there are artistic decisions to be made. I want students
to understand this idea.

Unit Goals and Objectives:

We have 3 main goals to accomplish during this unit. Firstly, I wish for students to be comfortable with compiling and crafting a
narrative essay based on the creative assignments I will have them complete over the course of a 7 day period. Secondly, I want
to teach students that great writing is all about using every resource available to you. One of the best resources is not an online
tool, but rather a peer whom you trust. A fresh mind on a paper can show errors better than any method. I want students to be
able to draft multiple copies of an essay without question. Lastly, I want students to be familiar and comfortable with a dictionary
and thesaurus as their writing companions. Both are irreplaceable tools to enhance writing and increase vocabulary level even
outside of writing.

Unit Summary:
In this Unit I want students to focus on 3 major topics. The importance of vocabulary, high level vocab and descriptive language
can enhance an essay tenfold. I want students to be able to identify the purpose and reason behind writing as a skill. See the
endless utility in being able to write at a high level, even outside of the school setting. One of the biggest aspects of this unit is
the 7 day creative writing assignment. Students will be responsible for keeping up with this over a week, writing every night
before bed.

Assessment Plan:
Entry-Level:

Formative:

Summative:

Lesson 1
Student Learning
Objective: Be able to
write everyday
comfortably

Acceptable Evidence:
Turning in the
assignment every day
for a week, minimum
500 words.

Instructional
Strategies:
Communication
Collection
Collaboration
Presentation
Organization
Interaction

Lesson Activities: Daily Writing Assignments

Quiz: What you think is important in writing
Final Essay: Use your 7 writing assignments to make a
cohesive narrative about your overall theme

Acceptable Evidence:
Pass the revision test

Instructional
Strategies:
Communication
Collection
Collaboration
Presentation
Organization
Interaction

Lesson Activities: List the biggest words you already know

Class shared quizlet, adding new words whenever possible
Small vocabulary quiz from random 10 words on quizlet
Paragraph revision test: use newly acquired vocabulary to
enhance an already prepared paragraph

Acceptable Evidence:
Students provide well
thought answers to all

Instructional
Strategies:
Communication

Lesson Activities: Brainstorm: What is the purpose of

writing?
Ranking: rank the most important aspects of writing with

Lesson 2
Student Learning
Objective: Importance
of high level
vocabulary and
descriptive language

Lesson 3
Student Learning
Objective: Understand
why writing is so

important to learn
and master

assessments

Collection
Collaboration
Presentation
Organization
Interaction

Unit Resources:
Unit website
Turn it in link
Final Essay Rubric
Lecture Slides
Guided Notes
Graphic Organizers
Teacher made examples
Grammar Handbook
List of useful websites

Useful Websites:
https://www.grammarly.com/1?gclid=CN-m09SuyqwCFcjb4Aodvw5ArQ
http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/
http://bonnieneubauer.com/storyspinner.shtml
http://dictionary.reference.com/
http://www.studygs.net/writing/
http://www.plagscan.com/seesources/analyse.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgkRoYPLhts
http://750words.com/
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/

personal explanations. Mid-unit quick write. Write two

paragraphs on uses of writing skill outside of school