Writing

Writing for many can be a rather difficult task to carry out, as there are so many components that go into the whole process. A lot goes into this, including (but really not limited to): brainstorming, the content of the piece, clarity and message delivery, mechanics and overall presentation. In first grade, an important concept is for the learner to grasp the idea that they are sharing information through print. We cover narrative, expository and opinion writing.

Best ways to support writing at home


It may seem like a difficult task, and that is why we work on it each day in a variety of modes; but you can help out at home as well (You can do it!! I believe in you)Here's how you can help at home: Support your child with these writing strategies.


Provide a place for your child to write.

The area should be an area that is quiet and well lit. Stock the “writing center” with supplies such as paper, pencils and crayons. You can also gather family photos and magazines in the center that can be used as story starters.

Read, read, read!

The best activity to improve writing is reading. If your child reads good books, he will be a better writer. Reading exposes students to general vocabulary, word study and content-specific vocabulary. Through reading, students see a variety of authors’ techniques that they can use in their own writing.

Encourage your child to keep a reflective journal.

This is excellent writing practice, as well as a good outlet for venting feelings. Encourage your child to write about things that happen at home and school. This reflective journal can be used to develop the “senses” of writing. Have your child write about what he saw, heard or felt on a trip or adventure. Provide experiences in your community that will interest your child and spark her writing. Especially encourage your child to write about personal feelings — pleasures as well as disappointments. When reading your child’s journal (only if your child invites you to, of course), share your own feelings and ideas paired with positive feedback about your child’s writing.

Provide authentic writing opportunities for your child.

Have your child write his own thank-you notes, party invitations and letters to family. Let your child make the grocery list. Finding a pen pal for your child would make writing “real.” Helping children make the connection between writing and the “real” world will increase an interest in writing.

Be a writing role model.

Make sure your child sees you as a writer. Point out times that you use writing to communicate with others. Discuss authentic writing in the community such as articles and letters in the newspaper, on billboards or in written advertisements. Discuss the purpose of the writing and the target audience. When your child writes, you should write. I know that finding the tiemotoudo this can be hard, but it realy is important. I make a point of scheduling this periodically into my plans.I write to your child each day through our Morning Message. After it is read, we make a point of discussing things that were "noticed" in the note.

Start a vocabulary notebook.

Teach your child new words each week and encourage her to use them. Make it into a game and give points for using the new words. Your child can keep a vocabulary notebook and get rewarded for the number of new words learned. The words will begin to appear like magic in her oral language and writing.

Ask questions.

Always ask your child specific questions about their writing such as: “How did that happen?” “How did that make you feel?” “Can you tell me more about that…?” “What are some other words you could use to describe…?”

Help your child publish her writing.

Share her writing with others, place it on the refrigerator

Opinion Writing

First Graders: Writing an Opinion and Giving Reasons— Opinion writing is an important skill for young students to develop. As they learn how to share their opinions on the page, students will begin to develop an understanding of how to form strong points, how to structure a cohesive argument with a main idea and supporting information, and how to own their personal thoughts and ideas.



Personal Narrative

Personal narrative is a prose narrative relating personal experience usually told in first person. "Personal" refers to a story from one's life or experiences