Writing

What types of Writing do we focus on?

In first grade we are utilizing the common core standards. The standards help students "writing, by demonstrat[ing] increasing sophistication in all aspects of language use, from vocabulary and syntax to the development and organization of ideas, and address increasingly demanding content and sources" (Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2020). We focus on several different types of writing and their purposes throughout the year. As seen in the tabs we focus on: opinion pieces, writing informative/explanatory texts, narratives, and research projects. If you would like more details about each of the standards here is a link to common core standards: http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/1/

On the top of each writing tab you will also see which standard(s) we are addressing.

How do you Start the Writing Process?

OUR GOAL IS FOR STUDENTS TO BE INDEPENDENT

Think of an idea or follow an assignment given by the teacher
Plan using a thinking map
Write a beginning (hook), middle, and end (so what?)
Edit to look for capitals and punctuation

Activities to foster strong writers, grow vocabulary, and practice spelling!

Write the grocery list—Have your child make the list as you tell them what is needed.

Generate some poetry--Play with all four types of poetry (Haiku, Cinquain, Limerick, and Free Verse). Print out your favorite one of each type and read it to the family at dinner this week. Activity Link: http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/poetry/poetry_engine.htm

Write a Book Review--Write a review of a recently read book. It should include the setting, main characters and plot. Analyze the plot. Was it realistic or would it have been better with a different ending? Finally, did you like the book and what type of person would the book be recommended for?

Document Family History--Take a notebook and interview family members. Email family members who live far away. Grandparents are great resources for family stories. Try to find one of two good stories that will make for an interesting read. These stories make great mementos and gifts for family members. See if there are photos that can be added to the story.

Tell a Story--Use postcards, old photos, magazine and newspaper clippings, and your own words and pictures to tell the story of your family, your town, your city, or make up an imaginary story. When the work is finished, bind it and display it as your latest coffee table book.

Plan the menu—Have your child write the menu and post what’s being served on the refrigerator before dinner 2-3 times a week.

Interact in a journal--This is where two friends (or a parent and child) take turns writing to each other. This is especially helpful for children who never know what to write. A parent might start the journal entry by asking what activities the child is looking forward to this summer.

Write a Movie Review--A fun way to encourage children to write is to ask them to write reviews of movies. Describe the setting, main characters and plot. Follow with a paragraph or two about another aspect of the film; the costumes, special effects or acting. Finally, give the movie a rating out of 5 and explain the reason for the rating.

Write a Letter of Gratitude--Find someone your child really appreciates, like a babysitter or the lifeguard at the local pool. Write that person a letter, with the proper format, to tell him or her why he or she is so appreciated. People are generally under-appreciated and a gratitude letter will certainly make their day. Hand deliver or drop it in the nearest postal box.

What’s the word--Visit Merriam-Webster's Word Central website each day this week and learn the Daily Buzzword. Teach the word to the family: how to say it, what it means. Use it in a sentence three times this week. Activity Link: http://www.wordcentral.com/

Start a mystery writing game--see if your child can guess where you are going on vacation, or where you are going to take them Saturday afternoon through a guessing game. Have them write letters asking questions, and write letters back giving them clues.

Become a Newspaper Reporter--Report on event in the family or community. Choices include a family reunion, a church yard sale, a Cancer fundraiser or a local beach that was closed due to pollution. Take a notebook and jot down all the facts and interview people to gather more information. Remember all news articles need to answer; who, what, where, why and when. Add lots of details, but only information that is necessary or really makes the story more interesting.

Enter a Contest--There are hundreds of online writing contests for kids with an opportunity to win fun prizes. Search for writing contests for kids online. For starters, you can check out Youngest Travel Writing Contest for kids at www.smartpoodlepublishing.com.

First Grade Writing Prompts

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