WRITING

         ·        Interactive Writing: At the beginning of First grade, the students are engaged in a type of writing that requires us to share the pen.  Through this type of writing the teacher models how to compose a sentence as the children help to count how many words are in the sentence, say the different sounds in each word as we write them, practice letter formation, as well as re-read the sentence to ensure meaning.  Through this technique, children are able to build the confidence they need to compose and write sentences independently.  Eventually the students apply what they have learned through interactive writing to their own independent writing.

·        Writer’s Workshop:  This sacred time is allotted to provide the students with a free time to write with no restrictions.  After the children have become comfortable at taking risks when they write, we begin Writer’s Workshop.  Through continuous modeling, mini-lessons, and individualized instruction, the students will be able to construct cohesive stories using all the frameworks they have been taught throughout the year.  Each day I teach a 15 minute writing mini-lesson.  These topics include proper punctuation, story structure, story elements, adding details to writing an appropriate title for your story.  After each 15 minute lesson the students are then instructed to go get their Writer’s Workshop folder and compose their own piece of writing.  Each child will work at their own pace.  They will first start their story by drawing out a story map or outline.  They will then use this map to construct their story.  Once they have read the story over and edited it using our checklist they are then instructed to compose 4 additional stories.  Once they have written 5 complete stories, he or she picks one of their favorites and we conference. After our conference your child will then have the opportunity to publish their story on the computer in the classroom, illustrate and share it with his or her classmates.  This is an incredible way for them to feel great about themselves and their accomplishment.  At the end of the year we will have a big family celebration of all our published authors.  Date to be announced

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