Winter Wonders:
A WIDA-Aligned Accessible Literacy Unit (K–3)
Problem
Early elementary teachers need literacy units that support students with different language backgrounds, literacy readiness levels, and learning needs—without treating language development or accessibility as separate from instruction.
Try It
Explore the Winter Wonders lesson plan and the instructional supports designed for diverse learners
Solution
Winter Wonders is a five-day literacy unit that combines standards-aligned reading and writing activities with explicit vocabulary instruction, oral language practice, and WIDA-aligned and UDL supports. Teachers can use the activities to observe and document what students demonstrate during everyday learning.
Instructional Supports
Explore the WIDA language supports and UDL accommodations built into the unit’s literacy activities.
Assessment for Mastery
Teachers can assess progress during everyday literacy activities by observing and documenting what each child demonstrates. The unit provides opportunities to notice developing skills and identify where additional instruction or support may be needed—without a separate test.
View the Winter Wonders Case Study
Comprehensive instructional design case study outlining design process, alignment, and outcomes.
Results and Takeaway
Winter Wonders demonstrates how standards-aligned literacy instruction, language development, accessibility, and assessment can work together in one cohesive unit. By planning supports from the beginning and using everyday activities to observe learning, teachers can respond to individual needs while keeping all learners engaged in shared classroom experiences.”