Writing

Language Arts

 By the end of 1st grade, all students are expected to
• Understand the relationships between sounds and letters and patterns in words, such as consonant    
   and vowel sounds, consonant blends, and word families (-ake, -at, -ed);
• Use grade-appropriate grammar and spelling skills in writing;
• Acquire skills to become lifelong readers and writers, such as self-selection of books, self-
   monitoring to correct errors when reading and writing, and talking with and listening to peers about
   one’s reading and writing; and
• Use reading and writing to communicate through listening, speaking, and viewing.

How will writing be taught?

Writer's Workshop

source: http://mrsshannonsclass.weebly.com/writers-workshop.html

Writer's Workshop is a time to grow proficient writers.  After a whole group mini-lesson, the students work with writing buddies. While the students work with their buddies around the room, I conference with individual students or small groups students.

Mini-Lessons:We always do our mini-lessons at the beginning of writing time.  Together, we meet at the carpet by the easel.  I use a various meaningful resources for my mini-lessons.

Writing Buddies:I group my students heterogeneously for writing buddies.  I make changes twice a quarter. This way the students are able to work with different peers to help strengthen their writing skills.

10 Steps to Writer's Workshop:I use this chart to help students remember the steps of writer's workshop.  I saw this on  Shannon's website who saw it on JMeacham's site and thought it was brilliant, so I made one to use with my students!

Conferencing Notebook:
When I conference with children and groups, I make sure to record notes. The notes help me to note student's' strengths and weaknesses. I may also use the notes to develop mini lessons.

 

Summarizing:
After writing time, we always come back together to summarize what we have learned.

 

Share Time:
It is very important for the students to share their work. We may partner share, small group share, popcorn share, or individually share.  After our work is read to our friends, it is important for the audience to give feedback.  We always give 1 star and 1 wish.  The star is something we like about their work.  The wish is something we wish they would have included.  The students love hearing from their peers and remember the stars and wishes!