First Grade

First grade enrichment students become "published" authors and illustrators as they learn both artistic and creative writing techniques in order to create a beautiful book of poetry.

Watercolor and Poetry Book Unit: Using an art/literacy fusion program called Picturing Writing developed by Beth Olshansky at the University of New Hampshire, first graders create a series of poetry inspired by their own original paintings.  Based on the theme of the weather, the students’ work tells the story of rain, clouds, snow, wind, thunder and lightning as they learn creative poetry techniques. Students also learn science concepts related to weather patterns.

Each lesson begins with a piece of published literature that highlights the particular weather being considered.  This work of literature is used as our 'inspiration piece' for both our paintings and works of poetry.  First, students create a Cray Pas watercolor resist depicting that weather element. Students collaboratively create a word bank of strong, precise words as they engage in Writer's Workshop to add text to each painting in order to create beautiful poetry.  Upon completion, each student’s collection of original art and writing is bound as a book to be shared by our proud authors and illustrators!