During the first two weeks of school, I engage my first grade students in an author study. This is a great way to introduce your students to the elements of literature and your favorite author. I personally love Eric Carle and find him to be a hit with most kids because of the nature of his stories. His illustrations are also very recognizable for young readers.

How to: Each day I read a selection from one of Eric Carle's collection of books. After a story has been read, the story is discussed in detail (title, author,patterns in the illustrations, story plot, etc.). I then lead the class in a written activity based on what we discussed about the book. I have on hand a copy of the front cover of the book (for the kids to refer to) and an overhead projector. I use a transparency of the "author study worksheet" on the overhead projector and guide the students through the completion of their own worksheet. This activity is a great way to assess your students handwriting ability and speed those first days of school.

Extension: For each book we study, I have the students engage in a follow-up activity in which they can make a character from the book.

These are the books I suggest by Eric Carle:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Mixed-Up Chameleon

The Honeybee and the Robber

The Very Busy Spider

The Very Foolish Tortoise

A House for Hermit Crab

Little Cloud

The Very Lonely Firefly

Pancakes, Pancakes!