Teacher Talk Tuesday

Author spotlight: Jan Brett

We are just wrapping up our Jan Brett unit in first grade and I just have to post about this wonderful author. Jan Brett is an extremely talented author and illustrator who has produced numerous children's classics.

These books are incredibly engaging for young children and so many opportunities for creative and higher level thinking. In each of her books, Jan Brett tells a story using words and pictures. As you are reading with your child, make sure you stop to admire the intricate illustrations. This is my 4th year reading the same Jan Brett books and I am still finding something new each time I read a book.

Some of Brett's books also follow a similar pattern in which animals are introduced one by one. The animals are usually sequenced from smallest to biggest. Be sure you talk about these text features as you read and find relations between each of the books.

Jan Brett is a very popular children's author which means you can always find favorite titles at any big name bookstore and your local library.

Have fun with these books! Act them out, write stories like Jan Brett, draw picture stories, the possibilities are endless!!

Visit Jan Brett's website to find even more titles and activities. Enjoy!