Writing Workshop

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : February : 13

Writing Workshop
By Glenda

We have been using AlphSmarts as a writing workshop tool this year in my first grade classroom. The students are able to "journal" without the risk of making a backwards, upside down letter that they can't remember and can
write in the floor, upside down etc. With the AlphaSmart, they can find the letter and press it for the sound they need. And the "magic" space bar allows them to space their "words". It makes it easier for them to "read" back what they write. At the beginning of the year I allow them to choose journal buddies to write with. When they have completed their story, we plug it into the computer,

they press the send button and we can print our multiple copies for them and me.
We also have writing folders and sometimes we write on lined paper instead of the AlphaSmart . We construct dictionaries at the beginning of the year with reading words. I've found thatthey are more willing to take risks with friends and when they are able to talk with each other as they write. After all Writing is written talk.