CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.4
The Standard
Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Speaking and Listening Standards
What This Standard Means
Kindergarten students need to talk about something they know well, like a family member, classroom object, pet, playground, or birthday. They should name it, say what it is like, and add a little more when asked. They are learning to use clear words, enough volume, and details that help listeners picture it.
Mastery sounds like, “My grandma has curly gray hair. She makes pancakes. I like when she reads to me.” Students often get stuck giving one-word answers, repeating the same detail, or naming feelings without saying why. Prompts like “What does it look like?” or “What happened next?” help them stretch their talk.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on: Put mystery objects in a bag, let each child pull one, then describe its color, size, texture, and use.
- Prompt: Show a photo of a familiar place and ask, “What can you see, hear, and do there?”
- Quick assessment: During share time, tally whether each child gives a topic, one detail, and an added detail after a prompt.
- Real-world connection: Have students describe a lost mitten or lunchbox so a classmate could help find it.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.4
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.1
With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.4
Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.2
With prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.3
With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.