$4.00
Plenty of upper elementary writers make a strong claim, then back it up with “because it’s good” and not much else. This Support It with Proof unit is a set of revision mini-lessons that teaches 4th- and 5th-graders to support claims with evidence in opinion and informational writing. Students learn four named types of proof (give a fact or number, give an example, explain how it works, and make a comparison) and practice adding strong proof where a claim needs it.
This print-and-teach resource is designed to fit inside your existing writing lessons. It teaches one revision move, supporting claims with proof, so you can teach it as a short sequence and then use it whenever students revise their own drafts.
All passages focus on inventions that have changed the world, so your writing block builds science and social studies content knowledge at the same time!
In each genre, students begin with an exploration lesson. They study two versions of the same passage, one without proof for the author’s claims and one with it, and name what the proof adds. Then three activities move from most supported to most independent:
Samples are included for every activity in both genres. The sample explanations model specific craft reasoning, so students can see what a strong explanation looks like.
Telling students to “make it better” doesn’t give them anything to act on. A named strategy paired with side-by-side models of weak and strong writing does. Students see the difference, name the technique, and practice it across three activities, so the skill has a chance to carry into their own writing.
This resource uses the same exploration and application framework as my Write On! Grammar Integration resources. Grammar builds sentence-level skills and revision builds craft-level moves, so the two series work well in the same writing block. You don’t need the grammar resources to use this one.
It’s also one of eight strategies in the Write On! Revision Mini-Lessons Bundle, 4th-5th Grade.
What kinds of evidence can students use to support a claim?
This resource teaches four types of proof: give a fact or number, give an example, explain how it works, and make a comparison. Students practice each type in both opinion and informational writing.
How does this resource teach students to support claims with evidence?
Students first compare a passage without proof and the same passage with proof, and name what changed. They then learn the four types of proof and move through three activities: choosing between pre-written proofs, labeling and adding proof, and revising on their own.
Is this a full writing unit?
No. It teaches one specific revision move (supporting claims with proof) and is designed to be used inside your existing opinion and informational writing lessons.
Do I need the Write On! Grammar resources to use this?
No. The two series are designed to work together, but each one stands on its own.
Please remember, this purchase is for the use of one teacher. It is not intended to be shared. Please use the ‘additional license’ purchase if more than one teacher will be using it. Thank you!
Copyright © Ideas By Jivey, LLC
All rights reserved by author, Jessica Ivey.
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.
Not for public display.
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