| Writing Block This block should last 30 - 40 minutes. Goals for writing: See writing as a way to tell about things. Write fluently. Learn to read through writing. Apply grammar and mechanics in their own writing. Segment 1 - Mini-Lesson - Teacher Begin the writing block with a ten-minute mini-lesson. Use the overhead projector or a large piece of chart paper. Write and model all the things that writers do. Mini-lesson ideas: Choosing a topic. What to do if you can't spell a word. Puctuation and grammar. Revising. Editing. Segment 2 - Children Writing and Conferencing Students will write on a topic of their choice. It may take one to several days to complete a writing piece. The children will keep their writing in a folder. The folders should contain their: Work in progress An editing checklist: 1. Did I use capital letters? 2. Did I put punctuation marks at the end of my sentences? 3. Do my sentences make sense? 4. Did I check word wall words? A list of topics Finished stories During writing time I conference with as many children as possible. At the first grade level, I do not require my children to edit every piece they write. I also do the publishing by typing their finished stories. Sometimes I have the children do their own publishing by rewriting their finished stories. Segment 3 - Sharing During the last five minutes of the writing block several of the children will read their finished stories to the class. Having an author's chair is a special way for the children to share their writing. Questions may by asked after each student shares. |
