RNOV11 Authors Purpose and Message

1

Grade 4 Read/Write

Teacher Facing
November 11, 2024

Unit 3: American Revolution: The Road to
Independence

MRS Icons

2

Materials

Student

Teacher

● Save Our Local Bookstore!

● ISN Notebook

● Chapter 8: The Legend of Sleepy

Hollow

● Response Cards

● Slide Deck
● Amplify Reader- Unit 4 American

Revolution: The Road to
Independence

3

Read before continuing!

This unit introduces students to an important period in the history of the
United States. Students will examine the sequence of events leading to the
American Revolution and what happened during the war itself. It is
important to note that some chapters may contain graphic depictions of war
scenes and other sensitive topics related to conflict. It is recommended to
review all content before presenting it to students.

Teacher Facing Sensitive Content Slide

5

Chapter 1:
Bills to Pay

Chapter 2:
Trouble is
Brewing

Chapter 3:
The Fight

Begins

Chapter 4:
Shots and
Speeches

Chapter 5:
It’s War!

Chapter 6 :
From Valley

Forge to
Yorktown

Chapter 7 :
Heroes and

Villains

Chapter 9:

Rip Van
Winkle

Chapter 8:
The Legend

of Sleepy
Hollow

Knowledge Objective:

SWBAT analyze the

causes, major figures, and

consequences of the
American Revolution.

7

The other day my sister asked me for help
unloading the groceries. I really didn’t feel like
helping, so I told her I felt sick. She made me a
cake with some of the groceries that she
bought. “What was I thinking for not helping
her.” I thought to myself as she poured me a
glass of milk. What is the author’s purpose?

AUTHOR’S PURPOSE with a MESSAGE using TEXT EVIDENCE

7

The other day my sister asked me for help
unloading the groceries. I really didn’t feel like
helping, so I told her I felt sick. She made me a cake with some of the groceries that she
bought. “What was I thinking for not helping
her.” I thought to myself as she poured me a
glass of milk. What is the author’s purpose? The author's [urpose is to share an experience of mine over the weekend.

AUTHOR’S PURPOSE with a MESSAGE using TEXT EVIDENCE

7

The other day my sister asked me for help
unloading the groceries. I really didn’t feel like helping, so I told her I felt sick. She made me a cake with some of the groceries that she bought. “What was I thinking for not helping her.” I thought to myself as she poured me a glass of milk. What is an author's message learned from this text?

AUTHOR’S PURPOSE with a MESSAGE using TEXT EVIDENCE

7

The other day my sister asked me for help
unloading the groceries. I really didn’t feel like helping, so I told her I felt sick. She made me a cake with some of the groceries that she bought. “What was I thinking for not helping her.” I thought to myself as she poured me a glass of milk. What is an author's message learned from this text? An author's message is to help when you can?

AUTHOR’S PURPOSE with a MESSAGE using TEXT EVIDENCE

7

The other day my sister asked me for help
unloading the groceries. I really didn’t feel like
helping, so I told her I felt sick. She made me a
cake with some of the groceries that she
bought. “What was I thinking for not helping
her.” I thought to myself as she poured me a
glass of milk. What detail supports the author’s message?

AUTHOR’S PURPOSE with a MESSAGE using TEXT EVIDENCE

7

The other day my sister asked me for help
unloading the groceries. I really didn’t feel like helping, so I told her I felt sick. She made me a cake with some of the groceries that she bought. “What was I thinking for not helping her.” I thought to myself as she poured me a glass of milk. What detail supports the author’s message? The detail that supports the author's message is. "I really didn't feel like helping, so I told her I was sick."

AUTHOR’S PURPOSE with a MESSAGE using TEXT EVIDENCE

8

Do Now

1. Yet some thought that Eleanor was doing
too much. After all, she was only the First
Lady. She had not been voted into office as
her husband had. Others wondered if she
wanted to be president herself someday.
Eleanor said that while she herself was not
interested, many other women were worthy of
the office.

Excerpt from “Meet Eleanor Roosevelt” used with permission from HMH © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

In the paragraph, the word worthy

means –

A. qualified – able to do
B. well-known – popular
C. ill-suited - not able to do
D. interested – wants to

2. To date, no other First Lady of the United
States has received as many awards and
honors as she did. Though she has been gone
for many years, Eleanor Roosevelt continues to
be one of the world’s most admired and
treasured women.

Excerpt from “Meet Eleanor Roosevelt” used with permission from HMH © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

In the paragraph, what does the word
treasured mean?

A. unique – special in its own way
B. wealthy - rich
C. cherished – means a lot
D. well-known - popular

Multiple Choice

PURPLE SIDE: In the paragraph the word worthy means ...

Worthy means ...

• qualified

• well-known

• ill-suited

• interested

Multiple Choice

Yellow side: In the paragraph what does the word treasured mean?

Treasured means ...

• unique

• wealthy

• cherished

• well-known

Match

Match each vocabulary to its definition.

• author's purpose

• message

• text evidence

the reason an author writes about a part

refers to the fundamental idea explored

paraphrased or directly quoted informati

• the reason an author writes about a part

• refers to the fundamental idea explored

• paraphrased or directly quoted informati

9

LO: SWBAT explain the author’s
purpose and message within a text using
text evidence.

DOL: Given an informational text, students will
correctly explain the author’s purpose and
message within a text using text evidence in at
least 4 of 5 questions.

Unit 3: American Revolution: The Road to Independence

Ⓡ ELA 4.10A explain the author’s purpose and message within a text NOV11

Ⓡ ELA 4.7C use text evidence to support an appropriate response

10

Real World Connection:
We have a purpose in
our life too that we
should share.

Unit 3: American Revolution: The Road to Independence

Ⓡ ELA 4.10A explain the author’s purpose and message within a text NOV11

Ⓡ ELA 4.7C use text evidence to support an appropriate response

11

HOT Question: What key
words do you look for
when determining
Author’s Purpose?

Unit 3: American Revolution: The Road to Independence

Ⓡ ELA 4.10A explain the author’s purpose and message within a text NOV11

Ⓡ ELA 4.7C use text evidence to support an appropriate response

12

Chapter 1:
Bills to Pay

Chapter 2:
Trouble is
Brewing

Chapter 3:
The Fight

Begins

Chapter 4:
Shots and
Speeches

Chapter 5:

It’s War!

Chapter 7 :
Heroes and

Villains

Knowledge Objective:

SWBAT analyze the

causes, major figures, and

consequences of the
American Revolution.

Chapter 8:
The Legend

of Sleepy
Hollow

13

Author’s
Purpose

Author’s
Message

What is the difference

between….

The difference between author’s purpose and

author’s message is…

14

Author’s Purpose

Refers to the
main goal in a
piece of writing

-

to entertain

-

to inform

-

to persuade

-

to share an
experience

Refers to the
fundamental or
basic idea
explored or
expressed by an
author in a
writing piece.

Author’s Message

16

An author can write a text

to…

Persuade the
reader to think
a certain way

Inform the

reader about

a topic

Entertain the

reader by

telling a story

they enjoy

Explain steps
the reader can

follow

Describe using

sensory and
descriptive

language for the

reader

to tell

to provide with information

to show

to make clear by example; explain

to emphasize

to give particular attention to

to illustrate

to make clear by given an example

to suggest

to offer an idea for someone to consider

to provide

to give something that is wanted/needed

to prove

to demonstrate that something is true

to encourage

to give someone support to do something

These are other reasons authors write for…

Authors
write for
other
purposes
such as…

18

19

21

Save Our Local Bookstore!

Dear book lovers and community members,

Our beloved Cornerstone Books is in danger of closing its
doors forever. This charming independent bookstore has
been a cornerstone of our community for over 50 years,
offering a curated selection of books, hosting author
events, and providing a warm, welcoming space for
readers of all ages.

But now, faced with rising rents and competition from
online retailers, Cornerstone Books needs our help to
survive.

By supporting Cornerstone Books, we're not just saving a
store – we're preserving a vital part of our community's
culture and history. Let's ensure that future generations
can experience the joy of discovering their next favorite
book in this special place.

Author’s Purpose Badges

To inform readers
about the history
of independent
bookstores in the
area

To persuade readers
to take action and
support the local
bookstore

To entertain
readers with a
humorous story
about running a
small bookshop

Multiple Choice

What is the reason the author used the details in the text.

The author used the details in the text to ...

• To inform readers about the history of independent bookstores in the area

• To persuade readers to take action and support the local bookstore.

• To entertain readers with a humorous story about running a small bookshop

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Good Job Detectives!!

Just like our detective friend
here, you've used your keen
observation skills to uncover
the author’s purpose behind

the texts we examined.

23

Why is it important to

understand the author’s
purpose when we read?

It is important to understand the author’s

purpose when we read because…

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Author’s Message

The author's message in a text is not directly stated, but

readers can figure it out by looking closely at the text.

𝥷 What does the author want the reader to learn?

𝥷 How does the author feel about the topic?

𝥷 What are details that support our
understanding?

Multiple Choice

Which sentence best states a message in this selection?

The sentence that best states a message in this selection is ...

• a

• b

• c

• d

25

Save Our Local Bookstore!

Dear book lovers and community members,

Our beloved Cornerstone Books is in danger of
closing its doors forever. This charming
independent bookstore has been a cornerstone of
our community for over 50 years, offering a
curated selection of books, hosting author events,
and providing a warm, welcoming space for
readers of all ages.

But now, faced with rising rents and competition
from online retailers, Cornerstone Books needs our
help to survive.

By supporting Cornerstone Books, we're not just
saving a store – we're preserving a vital part of our
community's culture and history. Let's ensure that
future generations can experience the joy of
discovering their next favorite book in this special
place.

A. Following rules keeps you

safe at home.

B. Old businesses must

change with the times.

C. Places where people meet

can create happy memories.

D.Community effort can save

local traditions.

Which sentence best states a

message in the selection?

The text does not mention safety rules

at home.

The text isn't about changing the store but

preserving it.

This idea is mentioned but it’s not the main

message of the text.

The text calls on the community to save the

bookstore, which is an important local tradition.

?O

26

dread
(verb)

to look ahead to the
future with great fear

I dread going to the crowded mall.

formidable

(adjective)

extremely powerful;

worthy of respect

My mother is a formidable woman.

laden

(adjective)

heavily loaded; carrying

large amounts
I am laden with work.

Content Vocabulary

Dropdown

My mother is a ​

Select answer

person so much that I ​

Select answer

going to visit her, becuase she ​

Select answer

me with many things to do for her.

27

American Revolution:
The Road to Independence

Chapter 8:

The Legend of
Sleepy Hollow

Read

Stop

Jot!

We are going to
read pages 64-65

Stop and ask yourself:

●What is happening in the
text?

●What is the author’s
purpose and message?

●Which details from the text
support your understanding

This is important!

Underline key words

or details

I don’t understand

Readers are expected to…

1

2

3

The author's purpose for
including the details in

paragraph 1 is…

29

What is the author's

purpose for including the
details in paragraph 1 on

pg. 64?

30

64 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Adapted from the story by Washington Irving)
What is the author's purpose for including the details in paragraph 1 on pg. 64?
The authors purpose for including the details is to ….

1 Not far from the eastern shore of the Hudson River is a little valley known as

Sleepy Hollow. A drowsy, dreamy atmosphere hangs over the valley, as if it were

under the sway of some bewitching power. The valley abounds with local tales,

haunted spots, and twilight superstitions. But the dominant spirit that haunts the

region is the sight of a ghostly figure on horseback without a head. It is said to be

the spirit of a Hessian soldier, whose head was carried away by a cannonball during

the Revolutionary War. The ghost is said to ride out nightly to the scene of the

battle in search of his head, and to return to the churchyard before daybreak.

valley – a low area of land between taller land bewitching – put under a spell abounds – a lot dominant – powerful

Multiple Choice

What is the author's purpose for including the details in paragraph 1 on pg. 64?

The author's purpose for including the details is to ...

• a

• b

• c

• d

31

A. To describe the geographical features of the

Hudson River Valley

B. To describe the mysterious setting of Sleepy Hollow

C. To provide a historical account of a Revolutionary

War battle

D. To explain the origin of local legends in the area

What is the author's purpose for including
the details in paragraph 1 on pg. 64?

32

He lived with each family a week at a time. His
arrival at a home caused great excitement, for the
ladies thought his taste and accomplishments
superior to those of the rough, country farmers. He
had read many books. He was a perfect master of
Cotton Mather’s History of New England
Witchcraft.

(pg. 65)

What does the word superior mean on pg. 32? Look at the picture.

A. Lower quality than
B. The same as
C. Better than
D. More difficult than

“Chapter 8: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
Vocabulary

33

He lived with each family a week at a time. His
arrival at a home caused great excitement, for the
ladies thought his taste and accomplishments
superior to those of the rough, country farmers. He
had read many books. He was a perfect master of
Cotton Mather’s History of New England
Witchcraft.

(pg. 65)

What does the word superior mean on pg. 32?

A. Lower quality than
B. The same as
C. Better than
D. More difficult than

“Chapter 8: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
Vocabulary

34

65 Which detail from the text supports the author's message that people’s thoughts can run wild?
The detail that supports the authors message that thoughts can run wild is ….

1 According to custom, lchabod Crane was boarded and lodged at the houses of the farmers

whose children he taught. He lived with each family a week at a time. His arrival at a home

caused great excitement, for the ladies thought his taste and accomplishments superior to

those of the rough, country farmers. He had read many books. He was a perfect master of

Cotton Mather’s History of New England Witchcraft. He himself was a firm believer in witches.

Ichabod would sit in the schoolhouse after the students had departed, reading old Mather’s

book until dusk. Then, as he made his way back to where he was staying, every sound of nature

encouraged his overexcited imagination.

custom – tradition

boarded – placed

departed - leave

Multiple Choice

Which detail from the text supports the author's message that people’s thoughts can run wild?

The detail that supports the author's message is ....

• a

• b

• c

• d

A.The ghost is said to ride out nightly to the scene of the battle in

search of his head, and to return to the churchyard before daybreak.
(page 64)

B.To see him striding along on a windy day, with his clothes fluttering

about him, one might have mistaken him for a scarecrow. (page 64)

C.His arrival at a home caused great excitement, for the ladies thought

his taste and accomplishments superior to those of the rough,
country farmers. (page 65)

D.Then, as he made his way back to where he was staying, every

sound of nature encouraged his overexcited imagination. (page 65)

Which detail from the text supports the author's message
that people’s thoughts can run wild?

Read

Stop

Jot!

Read pg. 66

Stop and ask yourself:

●What is happening in the
text?

●What is the author’s
purpose and message?

●Which details from the text
support your understanding

This is important!

Underline key words

or details

I don’t understand

Readers are expected to…

1

2

3

37

66 Why did Ichabod Crane want to win over Katrina Van Tassel? Select TWO correct answers.
Ichabod Crane wanted to win Katrina over because ..

1 He loved to pass long winter evenings with the farmers’ wives as they sat spinning by the
fire. He listened with interest to their tales of ghosts and goblins—and of the headless
horseman. But the cost of the pleasure in all this was the terror of his walk home. What
fearful shapes and shadows jumped across his path! How often did he dread to look over
his shoulder, for fear of catching a glimpse of some ghostly being close behind him!

2 Katrina Van Tassel, the only child of a rich farmer, found favor in lchabod’s eyes—not merely for her
beauty but for her vast inheritance. Her father was a thriving farmer, and his barn was filled with the
fruits of his labor. Sleek porkers grunted in their pens. Regiments of turkeys went gobbling through the
farmyard. The teacher’s mouth watered as he pictured every pig roasted with an apple in its mouth and
every turkey wearing a necklace of savory sausages. As he cast his eyes upon the trees laden with fruit,
and considered the obvious wealth that surrounded him, he became determined to win the affections
of the farmer’s daughter.
spinning – sewing dread – afraid of the future thriving – successful

regiments – groups

laden – large amounts

affections - love

Multiple Select

Why did Ichabod Crane want to win over Katrina Van Tassel?

Select TWO correct answers.

Ichabod Crane wants to win her over because ...

• a

• b

• c

• d

• e

38

A. She was the most beautiful girl in the village.

B. He wanted to become a farmer himself.

C. Her father owned a wealthy farm.

D. He hoped to inherit her family's property.

E. She was the best cook in Sleepy Hollow.

.

Why did Ichabod Crane want to win over Katrina Van Tassel?
Select TWO correct answers.

A message the author
expresses on pg. 66 is…

39

What is a message the

author expresses on pg. 66?

Multiple Choice

Part A

What message does the author express on pg. 66?

The message the author expresses is ...

• a

• b

• c

• d

Multiple Choice

Part B

Which sentence from the selection supports the answer to Part A?

The sentence that supports my answer to PART A is ...

• a

• b

• c

• d

40

A. Being kind is more important

than being rich.

B. Friends should always tell each

other the truth.

C. Sometimes, people like others for

the wrong reasons.

D. Working together makes hard

tasks easier.

Part A

What message does the author
express on pg. 66?

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B.

A. He listened with interest to their tales

of ghosts and goblins—and of the
headless horseman.

B. [...] found favor in Ichabod's eyes—not

merely for her beauty but for her vast
inheritance.

C. As he cast his eyes upon the trees laden

with fruit, and considered the obvious
wealth that surrounded him [...]

D. He was a burly young fellow, famous for

his horsemanship and always ready for a
fight or some fun.

Part B
Which sentence from the selection
supports the answer to Part A?

The author's purpose for including the details
on in the second paragraph on pg. 66 is …

What is the author's
purpose for including

the details in the

second paragraph on

pg. 66?

42

What is the author's purpose for including the details in the second
paragraph on pg. 66? Support your answer using evidence from
the text.

SCR

Look-fors in SCR responses:
❏ A complete response will provide

one of the possible responses.

❏ Evidence is accurately used to

support the response.

❏ The response and the evidence to

support it are based on the text.

1 point

2 points

37

66 Why did Ichabod Crane want to win over Katrina Van Tassel? Select TWO correct answers.
Ichabod Crane wanted to win Katrina over because ..

1 He loved to pass long winter evenings with the farmers’ wives as they sat spinning by the fire. He listened with interest to their tales of ghosts and goblins—and of the headless horseman. But the cost of the pleasure in all this was the terror of his walk home. What fearful shapes and shadows jumped across his path! How often did he dread to look over his shoulder, for fear of catching a glimpse of some ghostly being close behind him!

2 Katrina Van Tassel, the only child of a rich farmer, found favor in lchabod’s eyes—not merely for her beauty but for her vast inheritance. Her father was a thriving farmer, and his barn was filled with the fruits of his labor. Sleek porkers grunted in their pens. Regiments of turkeys went gobbling through the farmyard. The teacher’s mouth watered as he pictured every pig roasted with an apple in its mouth and every turkey wearing a necklace of savory sausages. As he cast his eyes upon the trees laden with fruit, and considered the obvious wealth that surrounded him, he became determined to win the affections of the farmer’s daughter.
spinning – sewing dread – afraid of the future thriving – successful

regiments – groups

laden – large amounts

affections - love

43

The author's purpose for including the details on page 66
is to tell Ichabod Crane's true motivations for pursuing
Katrina Van Tassel. The text states “As he cast his eyes
upon the trees laden with fruit, and considered the obvious
wealth that surrounded him, he became determined to win
the affections of the farmer’s daughter.” This shows that
Ichabod's interest in Katrina is mostly about her family's
wealth and the farm's abundance.

What is the author's purpose for including the details in the second
paragraph on pg. 66? Support your answer using evidence from
the text.

44

Closing

45

DOL: Given a
informational text,
students will
correctly explain
the author’s
purpose and
message within a
text using text
evidence in at least
4 of 5 questions.

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