• This activity can be used as a way to see student progress before the unit begins. This activity can also be used as a practice activity if not scored.


• The standards-based Teacher Rubric for the pre- and post-assessment is the same. Try this: Score student pre-assessments in one color on the rubric. Use a different color on the same rubric to score the post-assessment later on. A quick glance will show student growth and areas for further support.


• The Student Checklist for the pre- and post-assessment is the same and can be used as a student self-assessment to guide revision or to set future writing goals.

• We suggest teachers make sure each student has a designated location (such as a folder) to store papers between lessons.


• Each worksheet in this unit will be used across multiple lessons. These worksheets are labeled as VIPs (Very Important Papers).


• Make sure you count how many students chose kangaroo rats and how many students chose armadillos. You will need this information to make the copies needed for the next lesson.

• Post the Kangaroo Rat and Armadillo signs in the room apart from each other so students know where to go when it’s time to stand by their sign.


• Students will work in pairs. The instructions are included in the lesson directions.


• A scaffolded paragraph with additional support is provided for students who may not be ready to independently write a paragraph.

• Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lessons to this lesson.


• Students will work in pairs.


• This lesson can be separated into two parts. Part one: introduction sentence. Part two: concluding sentence.

• Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lessons to this lesson. Students will revise directly on their first draft.


• We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

We listed a few of our favorite sharing strategies:

• Turn and Talk


• Stand Up, Hand Up


• Gallery Walk

• This activity can be used as a way to see student progress after the unit ends. This activity can also be used as a practice activity if not scored.


• The standards-based Teacher Rubric for the pre- and post-assessment is the same. Try this: Score student pre-assessments in one color on the rubric. Use a different color on the same rubric to score the post-assessment later on. A quick glance will show student growth and areas for further support.


• The Student Checklist for the pre- and post-assessment is the same and can be used as a student self-assessment to guide revision or to set future writing goals.