ELA Year Overview

Lesson Title	Unit Name	Learning Objectives (Alberta Curriculum - ELA 2)	Suggested Dates	Notes for Supporting Low Readers
Unit 1: Phonics & Decoding
Letter Sounds Review	Phonics & Decoding	Recognize short and long vowel sounds (C2.3) and common consonant blends (C2.3).	Week 1 (Day 1)	Use multisensory activities: sandpaper letters, air writing
Consonant Blends Practice	Phonics & Decoding	Decode words containing consonant blends (C2.3).	Week 1 (Day 3)	Colour-coding blends, word-building with letter tiles
Word Families Introduction	Phonics & Decoding	Identify and generate words belonging to common word families (C2.3).	Week 1 (Day 5)	Use visual charts with pictures and word cards
Syllable Counting Fun	Phonics & Decoding	Recognize syllables in spoken words and clap syllables to support decoding (C2.3).	Week 2 (Day 2)	Use clapping games and movement to reinforce syllables
Smooth Reading Practice	Phonics & Decoding	Practice reading simple CVC, CVCC, and CCVC words fluently (C2.2).	Week 2 (Day 4)	Paired reading; use of echo reading
Assessment 1: Decoding Skills		Assess decoding and phonics skills with Acadience tools (C2.3).	Week 3 (Day 1)	Small group assessment; additional time for low readers
Unit 2: Sight Words & Fluency
Sight Word Introduction	Sight Words & Fluency	Recognize and read common sight words (C2.2, C2.3).	Week 3 (Day 3)	Use flashcards and phonics-based games
Sight Word Sentence Building	Sight Words & Fluency	Use sight words to build simple sentences orally and in writing (C2.2).	Week 3 (Day 5)	Sentence frames, word banks
Fluent Reading with Sight Words	Sight Words & Fluency	Read familiar texts smoothly using sight words and phonetic decoding (C2.2, C2.3).	Week 4 (Day 2)	Partner reading and phrase chunking support
Guided Repeated Reading	Sight Words & Fluency	Practice repeated reading of grade-level texts to improve fluency (C2.2).	Week 4 (Day 4)	Use UFLY materials and audio support
Assessment 2: Fluency & Sight Words		Conduct fluency assessments using Acadience Oral Reading Fluency (C2.2).	Week 5 (Day 1)	One-on-one or small group; extra support as needed
Unit 3: Comprehension & Response
Introduction to Story Elements	Comprehension & Response	Identify characters, setting, and main events in a story (C2.1).	Week 5 (Day 3)	Use illustrated story maps and visual cues
Asking & Answering Questions	Comprehension & Response	Ask and answer questions about key details in a text (C2.1).	Week 5 (Day 5)	Use think-aloud strategies and sentence starters
Predicting Outcomes	Comprehension & Response	Make reasonable predictions based on story events and illustrations (C2.1).	Week 6 (Day 2)	Use pictures and simple “What happens next?” prompts
Retelling & Sequencing	Comprehension & Response	Retell stories with key details in correct order using visuals (C2.1).	Week 6 (Day 4)	Story cards, puppets, oral sequencing activities
Writing Simple Responses	Comprehension & Response	Write or illustrate a response to a story (C2.4).	Week 7 (Day 1)	Word banks, sentence starters, drawing to support writing
Assessment 3: Comprehension Skills		Assess comprehension through oral and written responses to text (C2.1, C2.4).	Week 7 (Day 3)	Use simplified text; provide alternative assessment formats
Unit 4: Writing & Sentence Construction
Constructing Simple Sentences	Writing & Sentence Construction	Form simple sentences with subject and verb and correct capitalization (C2.4).	Week 7 (Day 5)	Sentence strips and word magnets
Expanding Sentences	Writing & Sentence Construction	Add details to sentences using adjectives and adverbs (C2.4).	Week 8 (Day 2)	Use graphic organizers for sentence building
Writing Friendly Letters	Writing & Sentence Construction	Write simple friendly letters including greeting and closing (C2.4).	Week 8 (Day 4)	Model letters with templates; encourage drawing
Editing for Capital Letters & Punctuation	Writing & Sentence Construction	Edit sentences for capitals, full stops, and question marks (C2.4).	Week 9 (Day 1)	Checklists and peer editing in pairs
Writing Personal Stories	Writing & Sentence Construction	Write short personal recounts with drawings and labels (C2.4).	Week 9 (Day 3)	Use dictation to support writing
Assessment 4: Writing Skills		Assess sentence construction, capitalization, punctuation, and writing fluency (C2.4).	Week 9 (Day 5)	Provide accommodations such as scribe or oral response
Unit 5: Poetry & Creative Language
Introduction to Rhyming Words	Poetry & Creative Language	Identify and produce rhyming words in simple poems (C2.5).	Week 10 (Day 2)	Use songs, chants, and movement to engage
Creating Acrostic Poems	Poetry & Creative Language	Create simple acrostic poems using name or favourite things (C2.5).	Week 10 (Day 4)	Sentence starters and word banks assist poem creation
Using Descriptive Language	Poetry & Creative Language	Use adjectives to describe familiar objects or experiences (C2.5).	Week 11 (Day 1)	Sensory word lists; picture prompts
Performing Poems	Poetry & Creative Language	Recite or perform poems with expression and rhythm (C2.5).	Week 11 (Day 3)	Practice in small groups; use gestures to support meaning
Writing Original Poems	Poetry & Creative Language	Write or dictate simple poems combining rhymes and descriptive words (C2.5).	Week 11 (Day 5)	Encourage illustrations and partner sharing
Assessment 5: Creative Writing		Evaluate use of descriptive language and poem structure (C2.5).	Week 12 (Day 2)	Allow oral or drawn presentations if writing is challenging
End of Term Review & Celebration		Review skills learned; celebrate student growth; reflect on reading/writing development.	Week 12 (Day 4-5)	Use portfolios with samples; individual positive feedback

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Notes on Alberta Curriculum Alignment

• C2.1 Comprehend and Respond to Texts: Focused on identifying story elements and answering questions.
• C2.2 Use Strategies to Read and Listen: Emphasizes emerging reading strategies, fluency, and sight word recognition.
• C2.3 Use Strategies to Understand Words and Texts: Phonics, decoding, blends, and word families.
• C2.4 Write and Compose: Simple sentence writing, punctuation, and expressive language.
• C2.5 Explore Forms and Genres: Introduction to poetry and creative writing.

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Supporting Low Readers with UFLY and Daily 5

• Daily 5 component structures fit well (Read to Self, Work on Writing, Word Work, Read to Someone).
• Use UFLY progressive phonics material and decodable text aligned with the lesson focus.
• Hands-on manipulatives, multi-sensory instruction, paired reading, and scaffolding crucial.
• Repeated reading and one-on-one fluency assessments via Acadience for targeted support.
• Visual supports such as charts, sentence frames, graphic organizers.
• Provide chunked, manageable instructions with frequent check-ins.
• Celebrate small successes to build confidence and engagement.

This year plan provides a balanced, scaffolded approach to word recognition, fluency, comprehension, and writing — all aligned with Alberta standards while considering your classroom demographics and tools.