Unit Plan 35 (Grade 4 ELA): Author Study – Style and Craft

Focus: Comparing works by one author; tone; craft imitation

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Literature, Writing, Speaking & Listening)

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

I. Introduction

This week, readers become literary detectives and writers become craft apprentices. Students will study two or more works by the same author to notice recurring themes/topics, patterns of events, tone, and signature craft moves (word choice, figurative language, sentence rhythm, dialogue, point of view). Then they’ll imitate the author’s style in a short original piece and present a polished oral reading that fits audience and purpose. By Friday, each learner will compare the author’s works with text evidence, produce clear writing in the author’s vein, and adapt speech to present it.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Compare and contrast two works by the same author, explaining how themes/topics and patterns of events are treated similarly or differently (RL.4.9).
2. Identify and describe tone and craft moves (diction, imagery, dialogue, sentence variety) with evidence lines.
3. Compose a short piece that imitates a selected craft move/tone while maintaining clarity and organization appropriate to task and audience (W.4.4).
4. Adapt speech—volume, pace, expression, word choice—for a brief presentation of original writing (SL.4.6).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4

• RL.4.9, W.4.4, SL.4.6

Success Criteria — student language

• I can name a shared theme/topic across two texts and explain how the author treats it.
• I can point to evidence lines that show tone and craft (e.g., exact words, a sentence pattern).
• I can write a coherent paragraph/scene that imitates a craft move (and still sounds like me).
• I can read my writing aloud with appropriate tone and formal English for the audience.