[BookMuncher]

I use kevin henkes at the beginning of the year... I do the Chrysanthemum read aloud and the kids make their names, count the letters, share about their names, and then we put their names in a pocket chart and use them for phonics stuff for about the first 2-3 weeks. I also read Wemberly worried-- I always do something different with it- sometimes we discuss a time we were worried, sometimes I use this to into. journaling, sometimes they draw a picture. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse is one of the books I use for teaching the 6 pillars of character-- it's my respect book. We use it to talk about respecting others and taking turns. The rest of the books I save for later in the year when we do a kevin henkes author study-- first graders can't read his books at the beginning of the year, so it works for me to save him till later.