This month we launched Writing Workshop!
In our first grade classroom, we begin with expository All About writing but we talk about what Writer’s Workshop looks like throughout the unit. We review expectations, procedures, and practice getting into the writing routine and building stamina as part of this unit.
In the beginning of the year, we stop writing and gather on the carpet a few times after starting writing. For example, I may teach students about the genre we are working on and send them off to write. When I notice a few of my students losing speed or focus, I call them to the carpet. Then, we may review a workshop procedure like, what we do when we’ve finished a piece or what to do when your pencil is dull. Students do not have a lot of stamina at the beginning of first grade so this is a great way to review expectations, model, and practice. These little breaks give students a break from writing and help the writing block last longer.
Are you wondering why we begin with All Abouts? Students love to talk about themselves and all of the things they love. I have had way more success starting Writer’s Workshop with All Abouts than any other genre.
All abouts are the perfect unit to begin the year. Because it’s the first unit I keep it very simple. I ask kids what they are experts at and that’s what they write about. We begin with writing all about ourselves. Then, we move onto family. The third writing is typically about a friend, pet, or school. Next, we move onto things that we love. For example, I have students write about sports they play, foods they love, hobbies, or other topics they are interested in.
After All Abouts, we move onto opinion writing. Opinions are another easy genre to do with young students. They love to tell you whether they like something or not. I usually try to stick to a simple model. State your opinion. Give a reason why. Give a second reason why. Give a third reason why. End with your opinion.
Beginning the year this way leads to a lot of growth. You will be amazed at what your first graders can do by the end of the first few months of school! I love to watch their progress.
A great way to really see students progress is using Writing Journals. Writing journals are a composition notebook where students write weekly.
We organize writing journals by month. I frequently have students right at baseline writing in their writing Journal as well as an end of unit writing piece. When students finish early, I also give them the choice to write in their writing journals. This makes it great body of evidence to share with parents and celebrate student success.
If you want to try out writing journals in your classroom, you can get my templates here on Tpt and here in my blog shop. If you choose to get it from my blog shop, use code ILOVE1STFALL2020 at check out for 20% off your total purchase.
I hope you try to start writing workshop in your first grade classroom. It is the best way to teach writing and I know you will see a ton of growth!
