Author Study Folders: Mo Willems

I went to a conference with Katie Wood Ray this summer...and I learned SO many amazing things that helped me see writing workshop in a new light.


One of my favorite things I learned was that it is super important that your students realize that authors are real people who make books just like them. She taught me to pay CLOSE attention to dedication pages, about the author blurbs, and book jacket information.
I've done that this year (along with letting my kindergarteners listen to lots of author interviews online) and I've been AMAZED at the fact that these kindergarteners know these authors so well, and feel like they are in good company when they are making books during workshop.

SO...last year, I did tons of author studies. I also made these information folders so my students could learn about the authors we were reading about. This year, I re-made them and wanted them to be really kid-friendly. My K babies won't even let me read an author book unless this folder is on the easel!


And the most HILARIOUS part is at the end of a read aloud- my students LITERALLY say,
"Thanks Mo, (Willems) that was a great story." Ha!

The best part is after you study and author and want to "retire" them to a basket, these folders make a great way to label the basket so your kiddos know where to put books when they are done!


So, I thought I'd create some folders for tons of authors that are fun to study. All you need is a file folder!