Writer's Workshop

At the beginning of first grade, students should use their letter-sound knowledge to write.  They should also be able to correctly spell a few basic sight words consistently (see, like, I, am). Students should also be able to write at least two complete sentences on one topic.   

By the end of first grade, students are expected to write at least 6-8 complete sentences on one topic.  Students should be able to correctly spell the first 35 "core words" correctly Click Here by the fourth nine weeks of school.  

What does Writer's Workshop look like?

Students participate in a daily 45 minute Writer's Workshop.  Writer's Workshop begins with a 10-15 minute whole group lesson.  Next, students are dismissed to create and work on writing that is based on their thoughts and ideas.  I will meet with small groups during this time.  Last, students return to the carpet for a sharing time.    

The Traits of Good Writing 

Ideas

• well developed

• clear focus

• several sentences on one topic

• writing makes sense

Organization  

• clear and organized beginning, middle, and ending

• clear transitions connecting one sentence to the next

Conventions

• capitalization rules are used consistently

• punctuation marks are used correctly

• priority words are spelled correctly and others are easy to read

• handwriting is neat, uses correct spacing, letters formed correctly

Word Choice

• strong verbs, specific nouns, descriptive adjectives

Sentence Fluency  

• differing sentence lengths

• differing sentence beginnings

• sentence variety