Unit Plan 26 (Grade K ELA): Author & Illustrator – Roles & New Words

Focus: Who presents ideas; ask/answer about unknown words

Grade Level: Kindergarten

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Informational Text • Speaking/Listening)

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

I. Introduction

This week students learn who makes a book and how we learn from it. They will name the author and illustrator and explain each person’s role in presenting ideas. Children will also practice being Word Detectives—asking and answering questions about unknown words using pictures, words, and teacher talk to clarify meaning.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Name the author and illustrator of a text and tell what each does (RI.K.6).
2. Ask and answer questions to clarify unknown words while reading (RI.K.4).
3. Confirm understanding of information presented orally or in visuals by asking/answering follow-up questions (SL.K.2).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Kindergarten

• RI.K.6 Name the author and illustrator of a text and define the role of each in presenting the ideas or information.
• RI.K.4 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.
• SL.K.2 Confirm understanding of information presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions.

Success Criteria — student language

• I can point to the author and say the author writes the words.
• I can point to the illustrator and say the illustrator makes the pictures.
• When I hear a new word, I can ask a question and use pictures/teacher clues to tell what it means.
• I can listen, then ask or answer one question to make sure I understand.