[MOSAIC] teaching connections

[Amy Zitur]

I teach 1st grade and have loved featuring an author each 5-6 weeks.  
I go online to my local library, search for the author and request  
multiple copies of all their books. The library makes it so easy to  
pick them up and return them. I can't believe I've just figured this  
out after nine years of teaching. The bonus is, I have a great supply  
of books for modeling strategies and they fit with our inquiry based  
curriculum. I used Kevin Henkes and Mo Whilems books to teach  
connections. It was so fun and the kids get so excited because they  
can see it! Other authors I've featured are: Patricia Polacco  
(fabulous for learning about families), Laura Numeroff and Eric  
Carle. By jumping in with my featured authors I have learned more  
about books and reading strategies then the last 6 years of studying  
has taught me. It's a great way to get moving when you're looking for  
a start!