Description

Prepare for the SBAC test performance task with a high-tech rescue mission! This Narrative Writing Mini Performance Task is designed to mimic the format and rigor of the CAASPP or SBAC end-of-year state test while keeping students engaged with the world of Helpful Robots.

Perfect for test prep, this resource helps students practice the difficult skill of incorporating scientific facts and historical evidence from informational texts into a high-quality narrative writing piece. It’s the perfect “on-ramp” for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders before they face the real deal.

What’s Included?

• Informational Text Source #1: “The Machines That Save the Day” – A high-interest text covering SAR robots, thermal cameras, ROVs, and rovers. This text is written at three differentiated levels that all cover the same basic information:
  • Level A: ~338 words
  • Level B: ~439 words
  • Level C: ~511 words
• Informational Text Source #2: “The History of the Helpful Machine” – An additional source covering the evolution of robots from ancient automatons to the Industrial Revolution and the first industrial robot, the Unimate.
• Informational Text Source #3: “The Future of Robotics” – Explores cutting-edge technology including biomimicry, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and swarm robotics.
• 3 Differentiated Narrative Writing Prompts: Choose from 3 different prompts: The Crevice Crawler, Deep Sea Discovery, The Mechanical Hero
• Part 1 Research Questions: 3 text-dependent questions for Source #1 (Multiple Choice, Multi-Select, and Short Answer) modeled after the CAASPP test format. ANSWER KEY INCLUDED.
• Student-Friendly Scoring Rubrics: “Kid-Friendly” SBAC-aligned checklists include space for student self-reflection and are based on the official 4-point scale for:
  • Organization & Purpose
  • Evidence & Elaboration
  • Conventions
• 6 Full-Length Exemplar Stories: You’ll get 3 exemplar texts for each narrative prompt based solely on Source 1 Information as well as 3 exemplar texts based on all 3 of the included sources. These exemplars are written to show students exactly what a “Level 4” response looks like by integrating details from the sources.
• Bonus Writing Prompts: Includes an Informational Writing Prompt and an Opinion Writing Prompt for extra practice!
• Digital Google Slides & Docs: Tools for teacher modeling and student keyboarding practice for all 5 writing prompts.
• Writing Type Scratch Off Cards: After reading the sources, students plan their writing for each of the 3 writing types. Then, students select a random scratch-off card that tells them which writing type to actually write. Just a little added fun for your test prep. 1″ scratch-off stickers are not included but purchasable through Amazon. Cards can also be used without the sticker.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Differentiated for Grades 3-6: While written at a 4th-5th grade reading level, the prompts and tasks are easily adaptable for a range of learners.
• Standards-Aligned: Focuses on Common Core ELA standards for integrating information, citing evidence, and narrative structure.
• No-Prep Test Prep: Just print and go! This “mini-PT” is the perfect length for a 2-5 day writing workshop or a mock-testing session.

Help your students move from “test anxiety” to “test-ready” with the power of mechanical heroes!