Unit Plan

You will develop a comprehensive unit for the teaching of any topic in elementary mathematics studied this semester. (This means measurement in geometry, geometry, rational numbers (fractions and decimals), and some advanced ideas in algebraic thinking are NOT appropriate topics.) This unit plan will encompass 10 days of instruction, though you will not be writing plans for every day.

The unit will be developed and shared online using Google sites. It will be due in pieces over the course of the semester and will be revisable until the final due date. It must include the components listed and described below. These components will be created as separate pages on your web site.

Home – This is the landing page for your site. You should explain what can be found on the site and how to navigate it. Be sure to indicate the grade level and topic for your unit either on this page or in the header or title for your site. You should also provide basic author information.

Content – This page will include content information and resources for the unit. At a minimum it must include:

  • VA Standards of Learning and relevant Common Core Standards
  • Teacher Notes/Background Information (from the Curriculum Framework AND other sources)
  • Vocabulary
  • Content resources (may include but is not limited to: anchor chart ideas, content visuals, links to virtual manipulatives, helpful videos, etc.)

Notes – This is a page for teachers that will include general information and links to resources for math instruction in general. This is a good place to provide resources for mathematical thinking, growth mindset, manipulatives, writing in math (journals perhaps), ideas for vocabulary instruction or word walls, bulletin boards, etc. 

Annotated Bibliography – This page should include an annotated list of resources that might be used in instruction. This bibliography should be written using APA format.

  • Books – Provide an annotated list of at least 5 children’s books that will be useful for supporting instruction. (Do NOT select books that are out of print!) Include an image of each book cover and provide a link for each book to the publisher or a site like Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Powell’s Books.
  • Technology – Provide an annotated list of at least 5 web sites and/or apps that will be useful in supporting instruction. DO NOT select lesson plans, other resources for teachers, or mega-sites with many links. Pick sites and apps that are narrow, very specific to the topic, and written specifically for KIDS. Include a screenshot of the resource and provide a link to the site or app.

Unit Organizer – Create a page that connects the days of instruction to the objectives, learning targets, and formative assessments to each day’s plan. Provide a brief overview of each day’s activities and embed each lesson as a shared Google Doc. Be sure you share the lesson with anyone with the link. Here is a short video explaining how to do this.

Daily lessons should be 60-75 minutes in length. Your unit must include the following lesson types:

  • 2 math workshop lessons, each extending over 2 days of instruction
  • 1 rich-task lesson
  • 1 lesson that includes digital resources and technology-enhanced instruction 

The lesson plans for your unit will follow the modified lesson format. Lessons should be between 60 and 75 minutes in length. 

Plans should be highly detailed and must follow the modified plan format outlined below.

  • Day/Title – List the title and day of the lesson. (for example, Day 2 – Sorting by 2 Attributes)
  • Objectives and Learning Targets ­– List your objectives for the lesson as well as the learning targets (“I can” statements.)
  • Formative Assessment – Describe the tools and strategies you will use to determine what students know, identify gaps in understanding, and plan future instruction to improve learning.
  • Differentiation – Describe how the content, process, and/or product will be differentiated for diverse students (ESL, gifted, special education general curriculum, etc.)
  • Technology – Describe what technology you will use in the lesson and WHY this specific technology is best suited for addressing the lesson content.
  • Materials/Advanced Preparation ­– List the books and/or texts, manipulatives, technology, visual aids, handouts (by title) and other materials that will be needed during the lesson. 
  • Learning Sequence – Complete all components as directed.
  • References – Reference all resources and ideas used in the creation of this lesson plan.  References should be formatted according to the style outlined in the most current edition of the APA Publication Manual.

Assessment – Provide a narrative describing how you will evaluate students’ overall performance and understanding of the unit. Include a copy of your summative assessment(s). Ensure that all formative assessment materials, including any answer sheets and grading rubrics used for evaluating student work, are included on this page or with your lesson plans. (Note where these can be found.)

Your unit will be assessed using the Math Unit Plan Rubric.