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Writing in first grade is the process of children expressing their thoughts in written form. This expression comes from experiences that have meaning for them and from the desire to write down their ideas. Writing starts on the first day of school and takes many forms. The children will write in journals, they will make lists, write cards and letters, notes, songs, poems, and stories. They will design signs and posters, book covers, and much more.
Depending on their stage of readiness, children may begin writing by copying print from around the classroom or drawing pictures and labeling them. As a child's skill and knowledge increases, s/he will begin to write phrases, words, sentences, and eventually stories.
First graders will participate in writer's workshop. We teach the process of writing using the "Six Traits" of good writing. The six traits are voice - the distinctive style of the writer; ideas - interest and knowldge of the topic; word choice - powerful, specific, precise words; organization - beginning, middle, and end; fluency - flow; and conventions - punctuation, grammar, and spelling. In First Grade we concentrate mainly on Ideas, Organization, and Conventions.
As the children grow in their writing skills they will learn the "writing process" of pre-writing, drafting, revision, editing, and publishing. "Published" work will be celebrated by sharing it with others. Together we will write class books throughout the year. We will also display writing in the classroom and throughout the building.
Because writing takes many forms, and because children are at diffent stages in their development of writing skills, we support learners at whatever stage they are at, as they progress toward the next level in their development.
Early writing, just like early speaking, does not follow all the perfect patterns of adult communication. Too often, as adults, we may stifle children's natural developmental learning process by focusing too much on something like "conventional spelling". Here are some tips to help you encourage your child's early writing atttempts.
1. To become better spellers, children must do a lot of writing.
2. When reviewing your child's wriitng, reserve your comments for the content of the writing and do not be too critical of spelling errors.
3. React to your child's ideas, accompanying your comments with praise and encouragement for her/his writing.
4. Have fun with spelling! Encourage your child to explore and want to spell thorugh the use of spelling games. (Hangman, Scrabble, Wheel of Fortune, Spill 'n Spell, and magnetic and foam letters)
magnetic or foam letters.)
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