Units of Study in Writing, Grades K–5
Help students grow and develop strong writing skills
The Units of Study in Writing for Grades K–5 draws on the latest research on oral
language development, writing instruction, grammar, vocabulary, knowledge generation,
feedback, executive function, and growth mindset, as well as on aspects of the science
of reading research.
Digital
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instruction, assessment, and professional learning.
Sedita, J. (2019). The Writing Rope. Rowley, MA, Keys to Literacy. Reprinted with permission from Joan Sedita All rights reserved.
The Writing Rope
The Units of Study in Writing for Grades K–5 is aligned to all strands of the writing rope to enable responsive teaching. In Grades 2 through 5, each writing session includes a daily grammar extension that explicitly supports language skills. The lessons study syntax, sentence elaboration, morphology, punctuation, and conventions of English, and in doing so, strengthen language comprehension.
The Writing Process
Children not only need to write, they also need direct, explicit instruction in the skills and qualities of effective writing.
The Units of Study in Writing provides support, context, and strategies for each part of the writing process. Across the writing process, students move through the stages of planning, drafting, and revision, all of which require them to rehearse and strengthen their knowledge and use of print concepts, syntax, and vocabulary.
Learn more in our blog about Teaching the Writing Process.
Grammar and Spelling
The Units of Study in Writing draws on the latest research on the science of reading, supporting students in the foundational skills needed to be strong writers.
- Starting in Grade 2, teachers will find grammar and word study extensions designed to sweep up the whole class in lean, explicit grammar instruction.
- Grades 3–5 include grade-specific grammar lessons. Instruction is sequenced so that students can apply the lessons they learn to their ongoing writing.
- Spelling minilessons can be woven into the teaching of each writing unit as needed and a new Spelling Modules resource provides carefully sequenced modules for students who need more targeted support in phonics and spelling.
Hear about the Grammar and Spelling Resources for Grades 3–5
Classroom-Ready Teaching Slides
The Units of Study in Writing for Grades K–5 includes Teaching Slides for every minilesson. Teaching slides display the most important content and visual aids from each Unit Book's Sessions and give the instructor additional tips for teaching. These ready-to-teach slides are simple, concise, and support daily instruction and classroom management. Teaching Slides are available on Heinemann Flight for Grades K–5.
Learn more about Units of Study subscriptions
Digital Writing Experience for Grades 3–5
Unlock the full potential of your writing instruction with student digital licenses—available via subscription. Heinemann offers flexible digital options designed to support what you need. Contact your sales rep to find a solution that works for your classroom size or teaching model.
Learn more about Units of Study subscriptionsTeacher Tools
- Assign, guide, and grade student writing in one spot
- Proprietary Units of Study AI-assisted feedback tool
- Suggested feedback automatically generated
- Tuned to each genre and Units of Study instruction, voice and intention
- Teachers have control- they can choose to use, edit, or discard AI suggestions
- Assessment tools to track progress digitally and assist in teacher evaluation
Student Tools
- View and complete assignments
- Receive in-the-moment teacher feedback to help rehearse, draft, and revise
- Digital Writer’s Notebook with Units of Study resources on hand for drafting content:
- Charts
- Exemplars
- Mentor Texts
Related Insights and Resources
Why the Writing Workshop is More Important Now Than Ever
Effectively Teaching the Four Genres of Writing to Students
Enhancing Student Learning with Effective Writing Minilessons
9 Tips for Teaching Writing Minilessons