Unit Plan 20 (Grade 3 ELA): Comparing Stories by the Same Author

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Language) Total Unit

Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This week students explore two or more stories by the same author to notice recurring themes, style choices, and tone. Learners compare how the author builds plots and settings, spot signature craft moves (repeated phrases, dialogue, description, humor), and use precise academic vocabulary to describe tone (e.g., calm, playful, suspenseful). By Friday, students will write a short informative paragraph that explains the author’s style and recurring ideas, supported with specific examples from at least two texts.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Compare and contrast themes, settings, and plots in at least two stories by the same author; identify recurring ideas.
2. Describe an author’s style (noticing craft moves) and tone, citing moments from the texts.
3. Write a clear informational paragraph (topic sentence, linked details, conclusion) using domain vocabulary for literary discussion.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 3

• Reading Literature: RL.3.9 (compare/contrast themes, settings, plots of stories by the same author)
• Writing: W.3.2 (informative/explanatory: introduce topic, develop with facts/details, use linking words, conclude)
• Language: L.3.6 (acquire/use grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific vocabulary)

Success Criteria — student language

• I can name how two stories are alike and different in theme, setting, and plot.
• I can explain the author’s style with two text examples (e.g., “The author often uses short, funny dialogue.”).
• I can choose precise tone words and support them with a line or event.
• I can write an informative paragraph that teaches about the author’s style and themes with a clear ending.