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I'm an Author! A Celebration of Children's Early Writing

Two students working on an assignment

You are here

Julia Sisbarro, Teressa Cameron Sumrall, Randa Dunlap

In Ms. Julia’s pre-K classroom, every corner invites literacy. A cozy library nook filled with well-loved books, a vibrant writing center stocked with paper, markers, and clipboards, and daily interactive read alouds and other instructional activities that immerse children in language all set the stage for literacy learning.

One day, 4-year-old Levi walks up to Ms. Julia and asks, “Can you help me write a book?” That small question sparks a big idea. Soon, the room is alive with authors-in the making who are crafting stories with words and illustrations, sharing drafts with peers, and growing in confidence, curiosity, and early literacy skills. As their books take shape, so does their sense of purpose. “How can we share our books with the whole school?” they ask.

And so, our story begins.

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Topics: EYC

Julia Sisbarro

Julia Sisbarro is a prekindergarten teacher in Boone, North Carolina.

Teressa Cameron Sumrall

Teressa Cameron Sumrall, PhD, is an associate professor at Appalachian State University.

Randa Dunlap

Randa Dunlap, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Child Development, Literacy, and Special Education Department at Appalachian State University.