What better way to learn about being an author than with an author study about Mo Willems. Kindergarten watched a short video clip of him talking about why he became an author. Did you know he used to write sketches for Sesame Street? Mo Willems says he works hard to develop his characters' personalities. The class discussed what “characters” are.
Mo’s first famous book was Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. The students enjoyed it so much they read many of his other Pigeon books. Next, the kindergarteners learned how to draw a pigeon step-by-step and were so proud of their final result. This inspired them to think of a new book title for Mo Willems. Each child came up with something else they thought we shouldn’t let the Pigeon do. These adorable ideas are on display in our hallway.
The Kindergarten classroom library is overflowing with Mo Willems books and the children love each one! Of course, our author study couldn’t be complete without reading many Elephant and Piggie books. The students also noticed the style of writing Mo Willems mostly uses is speech bubbles. So they learned how to draw Piggie and added a speech bubble so she could tell us a message. We paid close attention to how the size and style of the words can show the reader the way the author intends for it to be read… sometimes REALLY LOUDLY and sometimes very quietly. Many students wrote their words big to show that Piggie was speaking excitedly and loudly!