Writing in First Grade

[skelley]

I was just wondering if anyone knew a good website about teaching writing to first graders. If you don't know a website, do you know a good book? I am looking for something that would have a good sequence of skills to teach. I like to model writing on the overhead, but sometimes it's hard to know what skill to focus on and what time of the year you should do it. Just wondering....Thanks!

[Teener]

One program that is really good it the "Write From the Beginning" program. I used it when I student taught. You might be able to find some samples from that program if you searched for it online.

[Amanda]

Here are some good choices from amazon...
Writing Mini-Lessons for First Grade
Just-Right Writing Mini-Lessons: Grade 1
Literature-Based Mini-Lessons To Teach Writing (Grades 1-3)
The Art of Teaching Writing

We also have some writing books in the A to Z Teacher Stuff store:
Writing Mini-Lessons - Primary
Writing Mini-Lessons - Intermediate

[CeCe]

For one of my Master's classes, I did a big research project on Writer's Workshop with K and 1st grade students. I read tons of articles & books on the subject. Here are two books that I think you'll find really helpful for 1st grade:

Teaching the Youngest Writers: A Practical Guide, by Marcia Freeman (Published by Maupin House in 1998) - Has many, many practical suggestions and lists of target skills for K, 1st, & 2nd graders.

About the Authors: Writing Workshop with Our Youngest Writers, by Katie Wood Ray, with Lisa B. Cleaveland (Published by Heinemann in 2004) - This one is much more specific to 1st grade. Lisa Cleaveland is a 1st grade teacher and Katie Wood Ray is a full-time writer and researcher of the teaching of writing. I think this is the one I'd order if I only wanted to invest in one book.

Heinemann's Professional Development Services also offers online courses. You can check them out at Heinemann.com. Katie Wood Ray teaches an online course in conjunction with this book called "Inspiring Our Youngest Authors: Writing Workshop for Grades K-2". I don't recall what the fee is, but it seems like it was pretty reasonable. I know it was WAY WAY less than most colleges charge and I'm pretty sure you earn college credits. It might be fun to take the course as you're implementing writer's workshop with your 1st graders because then you'd have an expert to troubleshoot with you as problems arise.

Hope this was helpful to you!

[CeCe]

Oh, I forgot to list some great websites where you can get ready-made mini-lessons and lists of mentor literature you can use in your writing lessons. Here are two of my favorites. If you want more, let me know!

www.springfield.k12il.us/resources/language arts/readingwriting/writerworkshop.htm


http://www.debfourblocks.com/lessons...s_writing.html

I'm looking for some writing sheets for my frist graders or some reading memterial. I have an after school tutorial program for grades k-3rd.