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

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

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Informational Text • Vocabulary • Oral Language)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 30–45 minutes per session (use two short blocks if needed)

I. Introduction

This week children learn who creates a book’s words (author) and who creates the pictures (illustrator), and how words + pictures work together to teach ideas. They also practice asking about unknown words and using pictures, actions, and simple explanations to figure out meaning.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Point to the author and illustrator on the cover/title page and tell what each does (RI.PK.6).
2. Tell how pictures and words each add ideas (e.g., “The picture shows… The words tell…”) (RI.PK.6).
3. Ask about an unknown word and try a meaning using picture clues, gestures, or a kid-friendly explanation (RI.PK.4).
4. Answer simple “what does ___ mean here?” questions and confirm understanding by restating or showing (SL.PK.2).
5. Use at least two new topic words from read-alouds in short shares (supports RI.PK.4; SL.PK.2).

Standards Alignment — PreK

• RI.PK.6 With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator and define their roles; notice what information comes from pictures vs. words.
• RI.PK.4 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.
• SL.PK.2 Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally by asking/answering questions and requesting clarification.

Success Criteria — student language

• “The author writes the words; the illustrator makes the pictures.” (RI.PK.6)
• “The picture shows ___. The words tell ___.” (RI.PK.6)
• “I asked about ___. I think it means ___.” (RI.PK.4; SL.PK.2)