This complete ELA writing unit is focused on heroes and influential people and their characteristics. Students work their way through the persuasive/argumentative writing process while simultaneously developing their understanding of what makes a hero/influential person. With 16 engaging lessons, teachers have everything they need at their fingertips.

This unit includes:

- 16 full, detailed lessons

- handouts

- activities

- graphic organizers

- mentor texts

-mentor text suggestions and LINKS

Here is a list of the lessons within the unit:

Lesson 1 – What is a Hero?

Purpose: introducing the theme

includes: group activity, mentor text (link), a handout, work period

Lesson 2 – Characteristics of a Hero

Purpose: introducing the theme

includes: group activity, mentor text (link & reading), a handout, work period

Lesson 3 – Who Can Be a Hero?

Purpose: thinking in new ways about a topic

Includes: group activity, mentor text links, handouts, writing activity

Lesson 4 – Life Events of a Hero

Purpose: writing a piece that is interesting and enjoyable to read

Includes: hook video, reflective activity, mentor text links, brainstorming activity

Lesson 5 – Writing Process - Brainstorming

Purpose: the writing process

Includes: modelled activity for brainstorming, graphic organizer, writing activity

Lesson 6 – Mentor Text Scavenger Hunt

Purpose: learning from mentor texts - organization

Includes: exploration activity, group activity, mentor text activity, writing time

Lesson 7 – Argumentative/Persuasive Organization

Purpose: Understand the importance of supporting each idea or argument with facts, reasons, or examples

Includes: group activity, modelled activity (information organization), writing time

Lesson 8 – Argument VS Persuasion

Purpose: Understand the difference between argument and persuasion.

Includes: group activity, mentor text link, handouts, reflective activity, writing time

Lesson 9 – Important Events

Purpose: Select important events and turning points to include in narrative nonfiction

Includes: group activity, modelled example of editing, writing time

Lesson 10 – Cause-and-Effect

Purpose: Show cause and effect and/ or problem solution as appropriate in writing narrative nonfiction.

Includes: group activity, discussion, mentor text links, writing time

Lesson 11 – Writing an Effective Ending

Purpose: Write an effective ending that fits the piece.

Organization Trait: Ending with a Sense of Resolution characteristic

Includes: group activity, mentor text links, handouts, reflective writing activity

Lesson 12 – Different Story Endings

Purpose: Understand the importance of supporting each idea or argument with facts, reasons, or examples

Includes: group activity, mentor text links, handouts, reflective writing activity

Lesson 13 – Purpose and Stance

Purpose: Be aware of purpose and stance. Select important events to include and exclude extraneous events and details.

Includes: share ideas and discussion, graphic organizer, reflective time, writing time

Lesson 14 – Beginning to Edit and Revise

Purpose: Select important events to include and exclude extraneous events and details.

Includes: modelled example, discussion, writing time, one-on-one check-ins

Lesson 15 – Beginning to Develop Your Presentation

Purpose: Understand that a speech is a formal text written to be delivered orally with the intent of persuading an audience to believe or do something

Includes: group activity, mentor text links, discussion, reflective time, writing time.

Lesson 16 – Lessons to work on their presentations