young writers

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Home : 2003 : October : 11

young writers
By stephanie a.

TEACHING THE YOUNGEST WRITERS by Marcia Freeman would be an excellent resource for you. For grade one, author's workshop isn't as long as older grades. I'd begin with a half-hour 30-40 minute slot, starting with a 5-10 minute
mini-lesson. These lessons can include spacing between words, beginning with capitals, ending with punctuation, subject and action, brainstorming ideas, etc. These should be presented in the form of teacher modeling...writing on wipe-off board, chalk board, or chart paper. Shared writing activities (can be found in book mentioned by other poster) are excellent ways to teach the language

arts aspects of the writing process, while also supporting reading development. After the mini-lesson, children should have opportunities to "write" which, in grade one, can include illustrations, labeling, etc. I would have it be child's choice most of the time, but there are times that they will respond to a class or personal book, a prompt, or even non-fiction writing connected to a science or social studies theme. Because first-graders are all over the place in writing and spelling development, it's important to affirm them all as "writers". This can be done especially well during the last 7 minutes of writing time...called "Author's Chair". Several children/day share their work, even if it is a work in progress, and students can comment on it (but not negatively). Teacher models responses. You'll be surprised, as the year progresses, how student responses grow in sophistication, and how the writer's growing audience awareness impacts their growth as writers! Later in the year, when you help them "edit" their work, the mini-lessons can include you "editing" one of their pieces. This is a meaningful way to teach the grammar skill because its embedded in authentic writing. This, too, is a chance to work on spelling concepts, word families, using the word wall to support writing, etc. I know this is a long answer. But I've found that writing time starts to go by very quickly using this format. I teach first grade and my WW lasts up to an hour now that they are becoming more confident.