Author Study: Mo Willems...continued!

This week we continued our Mo Willems Author Study. Let's take a look at the week!

On Monday we read the book Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. In the story it's Daddy's day out with toddler Trixie, and they are off to the Laundromat. Trixie brought along her stuffed animal named Knuffle Bunny. They go down the block, through the park, and past the school until they reach the Laundromat. Trixie helps Daddy load laundry and puts money into the machine. On their walk home Trixie realizes that she is missing her Knuffle Bunny! Trixie is too young to tell her Daddy what is wrong.  Trixie ends up in a very fussy state until they get home and Mom realizes why Trixie is upset. The three of them rush back to the Laundromat in search of Knuffle Bunny!

After reading the story we asked the Pre-K kids if they had a special object like Knuffle Bunny. The kids then drew their special objects using crayons and dictated why that object is special. 

On Tuesday, we read Knuffle Bunny again, but this time we discussed how Mo Willems used real pictures of the city and how the characters were cartoons. The children took pictures around Roycemore and created their own stories just like Mo Willems!

This week the Pre-K kids completed their monthly self portraits. The kiddos looked closely at their skin, hair and eye color. They worked hard on adding details such as eyebrows and even dimples! 

On Wednesday we started Mo Willems' Piggie and Elephant series.  The books are written in a comic book style and features two friends: an elephant, Gerald, and a pig, Piggie. The books often address issues of friendship.  We read the books, I Am Invited to a Party! and Are You Ready to Play Outside?  

In I Am Invited to a Party!, Gerald offers Piggie extensive advice on proper party attire and models party behavior. The Pre-K kids were asked to envision their dream party. What would it look like? Where would it be? What would people wear? What types of food would be served? After brainstorming, the kiddos created a Party Guide Handbook detailing the key elements to make their dream party a success.

In Are You Read to Play Outside?, Piggie's day is temporarily ruined when her playdate with Gerald is interrupted by rain. During Morning Meeting we discussed what kinds of things you could do in the rain. We also talked about various kinds of weather and then the children took turns role playing, becoming a meteorologist  and giving a weather report. 

On Friday we welcomed Mrs. O'Donnell into our classroom as our Mystery Reader! Mrs. O'Donnell teaches Art and French to our K-4 friends. She read the books Jamberry, When the Sun Rose, and The Snowy Day.  The kiddos were very engaged and loved the stories! It is great for Pre-K to meet other teachers in our school. 

This week we also did a lot of Zoo Phonics practice. The kiddos are getting so great at knowing their letter sounds that we have begun to practice matching first word sounds to their corresponding letter. 

Below are some more pictures from the week!

                          

Reminders: It is getting COLD...if you haven't already please bring in snow pants, boots, hats and gloves! 

Next week we start our Gingerbread Unit! Always a class favorite!