The Way We Write

In first grade we celebrate writing in many ways! With each writing experience a child grows in his or her ability to craft a story, sequence events, revise with details, and apply mechanics. All in all we are promoting a writerly life with authentic writing practice. Here are some of the different writing routines that your child has on a weekly basis.

Weekend Update

Weekend Update happens every Monday. We start by sharing some of the things we did over the weekend. This is a bit like planning. 

During the weekend update I am closely monitoring mechanics (capitalization, punctuation), semantics, legibility, and spelling. I will often ask children to revise by rereading and focusing on a particular area such as spacing, periods, or proper letter formation.

Some of my favorite writing happens during weekend update! It's always so fun to hear what a first grader considers a highlight from their weekend :)

Writer's Workshop

Writer's Workshop occurs 4 times a week on most weeks. Writer's workshop begins with a whole group mini lesson focused on the craft of writing. This week children are learning about writing partners. Writing partners plan, write, and revise together. They also sit together on the rug during the mini lesson and while they are writing.

This week we are using our writing partners to help us add details to our stories. 

Work on Writing

Work on writing choices may  include writing lists.....

letters...

or story writing

This is a new writing focus that we've just began. During work on writing the focus is on choice, creativity, and building writing stamina. Work on writing happens during our center time. Right  now children can make several writing choices during this time such as lists, letters, cards, fictional writing, or to continue narratives from writer's workshop.

Finished work from work on writing time may come home unrevised. The goal during this time is to offer children a variety of choices that serve as an outlet for creativity.