Writer's Workshop

Writer's workshop is a time when the kids work on the craft of writing. We start with a mini-lesson and the kids then go off to write about a topic of their choice. I work my way around the room and always hope to give each child  a tidbit of direction. It might be helping them generate an idea to get started or how to add more detail to their piece.

This week, we worked on taking a piece of their choice to "publication", meaning they edited, revised and rewrote. It was neat to see the kids edit their peers' papers. By no means, was it an editing level that adults use but it did catch many errors and they gave each other ideas for adding details.

They then rewrote their piece, which they thought was a little absurd (But why, we already have it here?!). I reminded them if nobody can read their writing, it's time wasted. They will get to share their "fancy" writing, this week, with the other first grade classes.

My hope is that the next time we take a piece to publication, the bar will be raised and they will really begin to understand the process!

Spelling Words

Thank you for all your time practicing the spelling words. The kids did great and were excited to take the test! This page gives some fun ideas for practicing words at home. Give a few a try this week!

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas break. Time, at home, with family is always great but I look forward to an exciting new month in first grade. We have worked on spelling words all year but will now begin a more formal spelling approach. The kids will continue to work on a weekly set of words but will now take a weekly spelling test, on Fridays. Words will be sent home on Mondays. Please work for short periods of time, daily, on the words. The words will also be on the blog by Monday night.