During this unit, students will extend their understanding of opinion texts by using them as a basis to form an
opinion and write about it. Students closely read texts for literal comprehension and to connect ideas within and across texts to help them become informed readers. Students will decipher authors’ stance toward a topic and use their research to form their own opinion about the topic. With this informed point of view as readers and writers, students will be able to engage in persuasive literacy, discussions, and opinion writing. Throughout the unit, scaffolds and structures are embedded to support English Language learners. This unit is recommended to be taught after students have had experience with 3 rd grade Narrative and Informational writing.

This unit is designed to develop foundational skills needed to prepare students for learning and making meaning of a variety of text types. The unit will provide students with opportunities to listen to and explore a variety of everyday print materials such as storybooks, poems, and informational texts to engage in interactive discussions of the messages and meaning of texts. This unit teaches students that they are readers and have a vital role in their classroom community.

Students will continue practicing routines necessary for learning:
• Working productively in the meeting area
• Working with a partner to Think-Pair- Share
• Book handling and learning about the parts of texts
• Selecting texts for independent reading
• Using everything in the classroom for reading support