Unit Plan 1 (Grade K ELA): Launching Our Reading–Writing Community

Kindergarten ELA launch unit: students build classroom reading and writing routines, practice book handling and partner talk, strengthen stamina, and begin drawing and labeling to express ideas.

Unit Plan 1 (Grade K ELA): Launching Our Reading–Writing Community

Focus: Routines, stamina, partner talk, group reading habits

Grade Level: Kindergarten

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading • Writing • Speaking/Listening • Foundational Skills • Language)

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


I. Introduction

Welcome to Kindergarten ELA! This launch week builds a joyful reading–writing community. Students learn how to participate in group reading, practice partner talk, handle books using concepts of print, and begin a simple draw–label writing routine. The emphasis is on predictable structures, short practice bursts to build stamina, and clear classroom norms that make literacy time calm, kind, and productive.


II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

  1. Engage in whole- and small-group reading with purpose, following modeled routines (RL.K.10).
  2. Demonstrate print concepts (front/back, page turns left→right, 1:1 finger-tracking in big books; letters vs. words vs. spaces) (RF.K.1a–d).
  3. Participate in turn-and-talk with a partner using listening/response moves (SL.K.1a–b).
  4. With support, add or clarify a detail in a drawing/label during share time (W.K.5).
  5. Use grade-appropriate spoken language (nouns, simple verbs, complete short sentences during routines) (L.K.1).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Kindergarten

  • RL.K.10 Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.
  • RF.K.1 Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print (a–d).
  • SL.K.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with peers and adults in small and larger groups (a–b).
  • W.K.5 With guidance and support, respond to feedback and strengthen writing.
  • L.K.1 Demonstrate command of English grammar/usage when speaking (e.g., nouns/verbs; complete sentences).

Success Criteria — student language

  • I can sit, see, and track during group reading.
  • I can turn pages the right way and point under words as the class reads.
  • I can talk with a partner: I listen, I share, we take turns.
  • I can add one detail (a label or word) to make my picture clearer.
  • I can say a complete sentence about my book or picture.