Kindergarten · English Language Arts · Parent guide
Short answer. RL.K.6 asks kindergarteners to name a book's author and illustrator and explain what each one does. A plain guide with quick read-aloud habits to try.
Quick answer
With help, your kindergartener should be able to name the author and illustrator of a story and say what each one does: the author writes the words, the illustrator makes the pictures. That's it. The names come right off the cover, so this is less about memory and more about understanding that real people make books.
Why parents see this skill
Realizing that a person wrote this book is a quiet but real shift: stories become something people create, which means your child could create one too. It also sets up later conversations about an author's choices, which is where reading discussions go in every grade after this.
For reference
With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.Official Common Core source
See it, then try it
You do not need a lesson plan. Look for these signs in ordinary play, reading, and conversation, then choose one short activity.
Before each read-aloud, have your child do the movie-trailer voice: the title, "written by," and "illustrated by," reading the names with your help. Ten seconds a night, and within a month the roles are automatic.
Fold two sheets of paper into a mini book. Your child dictates a two-line story while you write (they're the author), then they draw the pictures (now they're the illustrator). Put their name on the cover for both jobs and read the finished book at bedtime.
Grab two books by the same author or illustrator, like two Eric Carle books, and set them side by side. Ask what looks the same. When your child notices the pictures match in style, ask why that might be. One person drew both is the discovery you're after.
Choose what helps today
Start with the domain guide for context, use the learning library when a concept needs explaining, or print a page when your child is ready to practice.
See every RL.K skill in order and how the codes fit together.
Open resourceFilter free pages by literacy, phonics, handwriting, and comprehension skills.
Open resourceShort, repeatable reading activities for common early words.
Open resourceSimple reading and vocabulary ideas for home and classroom routines.
Open resourceDoes my child have to remember authors' actual names?
No. The standard asks them to name the author and illustrator of the book in front of them, using the cover, and to explain what each person does. Recalling names from memory is a bonus, not the requirement. Knowing that the author wrote the words is the real skill.
What if one person both wrote and illustrated the book?
That's a great teaching moment, not a complication. Point to the single name and say this person did both jobs, wrote the words and drew the pictures. Kids usually think that's impressive, and it reinforces that the two roles are different even when one person fills both.
Keep the sequence
Get exclusive activities, expert tips, and inspiration for a more meaningful, offline family life.
Whizki Learningwhizki.comAt Whizki Learning, we believe in the magic of unplugged learning. It's a chance for kids to build real-world focus, develop their imagination, and strengthen fine motor skills away from distracting screens. We’re a team of parents and educators pouring our hearts into creating beautiful, screen-free workbooks that spark real curiosity and joy. Each one is proudly printed in the USA, because we know quality you can feel makes all the difference in a child's hands.
