Getting your First Graders started in writing!

I love first grade writing.

I know, I always LOVE everything first grade— but you can’t teach first grade if you don’t LOVE it!

Even though summer is just starting, many of us are reflecting on the past year and plotting, uh, I mean planning for the coming year.  There is always something that you want to do better—think through more—research a new approach- etc. 

If it is teaching writing in the first few weeks of school, this post is for YOU! J

This gives you 5 days of writing lessons that will guide you right into teaching the Writing Process! (Brainstorm, Draft, Write, Revise, Edit, Publish)

I always start my kiddos out with looking at a question every day, answering it to create an anchor chart, and then using the time (and topic) to introduce a center that I need them to learn anyway.

Here is the breakdown for me:
Day 1: WHY do we write?

 

(Question written on large paper)

Students do a “Think-Pair-Share” and then we make a list on the anchor chart together.  (The poster will be hung on our wall.)
Then we do an intro to our Post Office Center. (I teach them the procedure for how it works in my room—we write a letter together and then they write one to a friend/family member.)

Day 2: WHAT do we write?

(Question written on large paper)

Students do a “Think-Pair-Share” and then we make a list on the anchor chart together.  (The poster will be hung on our wall.)
Then we do an intro to Sticker Story. (Each child gets EXACTLY one sticker- this time I just give them one, later, in centers, they will get to pick their own).  We write a story together and add to the illustrations. Then they try it on their own. 

Day 3: WHERE do we write?

(Question written on large paper)

Students do a “Think-Pair-Share” and then we make a list on the anchor chart together.  (The poster will be hung on our wall.)
Then we do an intro spelling whiteboards.  (Students write their spelling words 3 times on a whiteboard.  They write it the first time by copying from their list, then they cover and write it again, check it, and repeat for the last time. The point is not just to copy without thought, but to try and create an image in their mind.)  Anyway, I model it, then they get a turn.  We practice everything from getting the materials out, actually writing our words, and then how to properly clean up.  EVERYTHING.  J

Day 4: WHEN do we write?

(Question written on large paper)

Students do a “Think-Pair-Share” and then we make a list on the anchor chart together.  (The poster will be hung on our wall.)

Then we do an intro to what we call our “Thought Spot” (it is a special notebook that they have in their desk where they can write any time, about anything.  It just allows them to have easy, uninterrupted access to paper.)  The first thing I show them to do in their Thought Spot is to write the date and do a “Squiggle Story”.  They make a squiggle on the paper. Then they turn the squiggle into a picture and write a story about it.  (THEY LOVE THIS!)

Day 5: HOW do we write?

(Question written on large paper)

This one is a little different because, while they have ideas that they will want to list, we are really going to be teaching them the writing process. Don’t get me wrong, still write their ideas down, but leave enough space to list (or draw) the stages of the writing process. 
Today we will tell them ALL of the stages, but not go into detail.  It's more about exposing them to the vocabulary so that when they hear it again, it won't be the first time.  Each stage gets its own day!
Then students have some time to write in their “Thought Spot”. 

 

The first thing you will notice on Day 6 is that they will want to know where the question is.  Like for real—they want to have writing always begin with an anchor chart.  Every year my kids ask for one! It is so funny!

Now it’s game time—your kids are ready to start the writing process… a week into school!

Remember, each stage of writing gets to be its own day.  Taking the time to really enjoy the stages will give your students a stronger base for the rest of the year.   I always have my class do it with me and then on their own.  It makes everything so much less stressful and more fun!

To see the plan written out, download it here.

Have a fantastic day!!

Sarah