Author Studies in an Elementary Classroom
Making the Reading-Writing Connection Authentic for K-8 Students
Oct 9, 2009
Author studies provide elementary students with a glimpse into the artistic process that created their favorite works of children's literature. The result is a greater understanding of the author's influences, the historical context in which the works were created, and the creative connection between reading and writing that students, too, can master. Children learn to write like readers and to read like writers, with a new appreciation of the effort and joy involved in both.
Purposes of an Author Study
Author studies serve a variety of purposes connected to both reading and writing. For elementary readers, they can introduce new writers' voices and previously undiscovered genres; celebrate high-interest books, such as the Harry Potter or Twilight series; and help demonstrate connections between characters, settings, or themes within a single author's work. By providing a unique lens through which to study children's books, author studies can pique the interest of reluctant readers and engage them with books they might not otherwise choose.
However, young writers are often the most inspired by author studies. Learning how famous writers write can reassure student authors when they experience the same trials that all writers experience, such as bad first drafts, writer's block, or a general lack of ideas. Hearing how children's authors solve these common writer's problems can be highly entertaining for children as well.
Planning an Author Study
When planning an author study, teachers can schedule the activities to coincide with the author's birthday, a larger study of a particular genre, an author's visit or other related local event, or simply in response to the expressed interest of the students. Begin by collecting multiple copies of the author's works, using the school and municipal libraries, and if possible, contact the publisher for promotional materials such as photos, cover art posters, or interview transcripts.
In order to make the study as meaningful as possible, review the reading and language arts curriculum and plan to meet state and local standards through the study, rather than through the textbooks. Establish a display area, not only for the author's books and decorative posters, but for related student work, and inform parents about the study in case they have a connection to the author, materials to contribute, or time to assist with activities.
Book Responses, Author Study Activities, and Celebrations
Instructional activities should planned around meeting grade-appropriate goals and objectives. Guided reading instruction may be paired with independent reading, read-alouds, and book responses, such as summarizing, comparing and contrasting characters, keeping journals, and story mapping. Other lessons may include writing letters to the author, studying other authors within the genre, or looking at related illustrators.
Conclude the author study with a celebration. An author visit, either of the featured artist or a local writer of related work, can be motivating to students. Have an Author Birthday Party, where students dress as characters and enjoy related activities and food. If students have studied several authors, or would like to do so on their own, hold an Author's Fair, with individual booths celebrating many authors' lives and work.
Author studies present wonderful opportunities for students to interact with books they might not have chosen for themselves, as well as to explore the reading-writing connection from another perspective. They are motivating for reluctant readers, inspiring for young writers, and lots of fun for teachers. Most of all, author studies provide a personal connection to teaching and learning that might not be present otherwise.
Further Reading
Jenkins, Carol Brennan. The Allure of Authors: Author Studies in the Elementary Classroom. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1999.
Lloyd, Pamela. How Writers Write. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1992.
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