Made in First Grade: Nonfiction Author's Celebration

What an EXCITING week we had in Writer's workshop. After weeks of hard work planning, teaching, writing, and revising, our chapter books are finally ready for publishing! In first grade a published book is one that you have worked particularly hard on. You've fixed and fancied independently and maybe with the help of a friend. You've read and re-read your piece so that it makes sense to others. It is a piece that you are extra proud of because you've worked on it long term and because it is extra special.

The kids were so excited to share their chapter books to each other during our celebration. We set up a "museum" and had the children rotate through exhibits. Each child chose 1 or 2 stories from each exhibit to read through and enjoy. This one was very special folks!!

The process.....

Fixing
These chapter books were quite a while in the making. Working with one topic on a long term piece helped children build their writing stamina. They were writing for longer periods of time and filling pages! Once the children finished their chapters it was on to editing. First they edited independently with the use of our editing check list looking for grammar, punctuation, and best spelling. Then they got some help from an editing partner who looked at their piece with fresh eyes. The children learned about editing on the go...fixing things quickly as they noticed mistakes.

Fancying
They LOVE this part! They finally got to work on their covers! They picked their colored paper, added a title, by the author, and an illustration. After they fancied up their cover and any other pictures it was time to bind the books in anticipation for the celebration!

Author Celebration Time!

And finally...time to celebrate their hard work with a little celebration that showcases their final product. They carefully read each other's pieces, poured over each other's pictures, and gave each other complements on a job well done!!

Animals: