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5th grade sub plans: writing

A 5th grade writing block for a substitute, 50 minutes: write the prompt on the board (today's is “Should every student learn to play a musical instrument? Argue for your position.”), give partners two minutes to talk, then students write a paragraph with a first sentence that says the idea, details and an ending. Volunteers read theirs aloud, and the papers go to the teacher.

Checked October 30, 2026. Made from Peabody Teach's own passages, worksheets and brain break cards.

Make the whole day at 5th grade ▸

The writing block

Writing

  1. Write this on the board: “Should every student learn to play a musical instrument? Argue for your position.”
  2. Give partners two minutes to tell each other their idea out loud before anyone writes.
  3. Students write for 35 minutes. Ask for two paragraphs: a first sentence that says the idea, details, and an ending.
  4. Volunteers read theirs aloud at the end. Collect the papers for the teacher.

On the projector: Writing prompts by grade

Break: Five-finger trace (1 min, silent). Hold up one hand with your fingers spread. With a finger of your other hand, slide up the side of your thumb as you breathe in and down the other side as you breathe out. Do all five fingers.

Subbing 5th grade

Fifth graders are usually the oldest in the building and respond to being treated that way: tell them the plan, give a choice where you can, and hold them to the schedule. They can read a passage alone and write two paragraphs.

  • Explain the whole day in the first five minutes, including what happens if work is finished early.
  • Offer a small choice (which question to share, where to read) rather than a reward.
  • Hand out the extra-time sheet with the main sheet, so nobody waits for you.

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