If you walked into our Senior Kindergarten classes this week or last, you would have been immersed in a world of students dressed up in pajamas, bandages, costumes, and more! Why? SK classes were doing an author study of Mo Willems. Willems has written and illustrated over 50 children’s books. Many kids connect with his popular characters like Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, Elephant, and Piggie.
«Author studies are a fun way to encourage a life-long interest in reading,» commented Kelly Hummel, Senior Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher. «Students often have a more fulfilling reading experience as they connect with an author they enjoy.»
While Mo Willems‘ stories are often very silly, they include important themes like friendship, perseverance, patience, and empathy. Mo Willems is also considered a mentor author. «Mentor authors,» Hummel explains, «also introduce students to the craft of writing and allow students to explore new possibilities in their own writing pieces.»
To celebrate several of his books in the classroom, SK cohorts participated in the following special dress days:
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!
It’s time for the pigeon to go to bed. Wear your PAJAMAS to school and let’s see if we can get him to sleep. - Knuffle Bunny
Trixie loves Knuffle Bunny, and we love our stuffies, too! Bring your special STUFFED ANIMAL or LOVIE to school for the day. - I Broke My Trunk!
Poor Gerald broke his trunk. Let’s show him some empathy by pretending we have an injury, too. Wear a BANDAGE or WRAP. - I Am Invited to a Party!
Piggie is invited to a FANCY, POOL, COSTUME party and so are you. Dress in something FANCY, POOL, COSTUME so you are ready.
Scroll down to see galleries from each dress-up day!
Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! – Pajama Day
Knuffle Bunny – Stuffed Animals & Lovies Day
I Broke My Trunk! – Bandage or Wrap Day
I Am Invited to a Party! – Fancy, Pool, Costume Day
What a fun way to connect with a favorite author!