When you step into a 4-year-old classroom in the Benton Community School District during January or February, you might hear familiar names like Laura Numeroff, Karma Wilson, Mo Willems, or James Dean. In the months leading up to winter break, our preschoolers begin building foundational knowledge about books—learning what authors and illustrators do and how stories come to life. This early exposure gives them the background they need before we officially begin our in-depth author study after winter break.
Once we return in January, our classroom transforms into a space of creativity and discovery. Students explore what it truly means to be an author and an illustrator through hands-on experiences.
In preschool, we use directed drawings to guide children in illustrating characters from the stories we read together. We also provide opportunities in our book-making center for students to write and illustrate their own books, applying the skills they’ve learned.
At the end of our eight-week author study, we celebrate their growth and creativity. Each child draws their favorite character and creates a book of their own—proudly stepping into the role of author and illustrator.