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Writers!

Grade 5 | C1 | Module 4
Writing the Explanation Sentence
The Writing Academy

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Day 1Gather + Reveal
Today we will discover the difference between naming something and explaining it. Learn that an explanation tells what the evidence means.
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
Last module, we became Evidence Coaches and taught the full CSI process to a partner.
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"From Tension to Revolution" and "The Ocean Lesson"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Highlighter
QUICK THINK
Why is it not enough to just name the evidence without telling the reader what it means?
Foundational
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Day 2Attempt
Today we will play Explanation Relay Race: match thesis (central idea) plus evidence with the strongest explanation.
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
We discovered that explanation tells the reader WHAT the evidence means and WHY it matters.
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"From Tension to Revolution" and "The Ocean Lesson"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Relay cards
QUICK THINK
How can you tell the difference between a weak explanation and a strong one?
Emergent
Play Our Song: CSI
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Day 3Discuss + Use
Today we will discuss what makes a strong explanation. Independently write a thesis (central idea), evidence, and explanation.
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
We played Explanation Relay Race and practiced matching evidence with strong explanations.
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"From Tension to Revolution" and "The Ocean Lesson"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Workbook
QUICK THINK
What two moves (Definition and Story) can help you write a stronger explanation?
Visible
Play Our Song: Thesis (central idea)
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Day 4Award + Target
Today we will recognize explanation sentences that made thinking visible. Set a precise next goal for clarity, connection, or depth.
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
We discussed explanation quality and independently wrote a thesis (central idea) with evidence and explanation.
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"From Tension to Revolution" and "The Ocean Lesson"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Workbook
QUICK THINK
Which of your explanation sentences this week made your thinking most visible to the reader?
Independent
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Day 5Educate + Explain
Today we will teach a partner how to explain evidence with Definition and Story. Coach one explanation choice from either passage.
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
We recognized strong explanation sentences and set precise goals for improvement.
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"From Tension to Revolution" and "The Ocean Lesson"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Workbook, Exit ticket
QUICK THINK
How does a strong explanation help the reader trust your thinking?
Reflective
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