Self-authored books can empower students to not only do the obvious, read and write, but to encourage them to vocalize their personal experiences. By becoming protagonists in their stories, they can write and reflect upon their actions. The students will be excited to be recognized in the classroom curriculum. The print-rich environment can be created by them through a variety of genres of literature and book forms. These books can be presented at school book fairs which could serve to bring the community together.
Teachers can set the example.
In Spain, I was asked to complete two books. One was an alphabet book presenting different sites I saw in Spain. The other was the story of my name. The parents were touched when I shared my books with them at Back to School Night. Thus, parents may be more inclined to come into the classroom.