Good Morning,
Writers!
Grade 5 | C2 | Module 2
Writing a Strong Thesis (central idea)
The Writing Academy
Good Morning,
Writers!
Day 1
Gather + Reveal
Today we will gather ideas about problems and discoveries. Model a thesis (central idea) for the harvest passage using important prompt words.
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
Last module, we taught a partner the three prompt shapes and how to build a thesis (central idea) from the ECR TREE.
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"Spanish Rule in Early Texas" and "A Harvest to Remember"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Highlighter
QUICK THINK
How do the important words in a prompt become the building blocks of your thesis (central idea)?
Foundational
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TRACKS
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Good Morning,
Writers!
Day 2
Attempt
Today we will play Spin and Shape Showdown: spin WHY, HOW, or BOTH, draw a prompt card, shape it, and write a thesis (central idea).
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
We gathered ideas and modeled how important prompt words become building blocks for a thesis (central idea).
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"Spanish Rule in Early Texas" and "A Harvest to Remember"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Spinner
QUICK THINK
What happens to your thesis (central idea) when you leave out the CHARGE or the ANSWER?
Emergent
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CSI
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Good Morning,
Writers!
Day 3
Discuss + Use
Today we will explain why cooperation helped the Pilgrims survive. Shape a prompt and write a complete thesis (central idea) independently.
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
We spun prompt types and wrote theses that included topic, charge, and answer for each type.
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"Spanish Rule in Early Texas" and "A Harvest to Remember"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Workbook
QUICK THINK
How does the WHY prompt change the way you build your thesis (central idea) compared to a HOW prompt?
Visible
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Thesis (central idea)
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Good Morning,
Writers!
Day 4
Award + Target
Today we will recognize successful thesis (central idea) writing. Revise a vague thesis (central idea) to answer WHY with a reason.
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
We explained cooperation in the harvest passage and wrote independent thesis (central idea) statements.
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"Spanish Rule in Early Texas" and "A Harvest to Remember"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Workbook
QUICK THINK
What is the quickest way to check whether your thesis (central idea) actually answers the prompt?
Independent
Play Our Song:
TREES
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Good Morning,
Writers!
Day 5
Educate + Explain
Today we will teach a partner the three prompt shapes and thesis (central idea) building. Use the ECR TREE chart to connect ideas.
YESTERDAY WE LEARNED
We recognized strong thesis (central idea) writing and revised vague theses to include clear reasons.
TODAY'S PASSAGE(S)
"Spanish Rule in Early Texas" and "A Harvest to Remember"
GET READY
Passage, Pencil, Workbook, Exit ticket
QUICK THINK
How does the ECR TREE chart help you see whether your thesis (central idea) matches the prompt shape?
Reflective
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Every Great Essay
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