Writing Workshop B (First Semester) Grades 1-3

This 12-week (Part 1 of 2) semester long course is designed for students to focus on becoming a writer in a safe environment.  This class is dedicated to building a child’s enthusiasm for writing, and to help them experience success and excitement about writing. 

Below are a set of skills to master through this level.  If you want help determining which level, please do not hesitate to contact me and ask.

You will learn to:
~Become more familiar with the writing process
~Organize the main parts of a story before beginning to write
~Include an introduction, body, and closing
~Identify the main character in stories
~Learn to add details to a story
~Organize a story to include a problem and its solution
~Write a letter
~Write a personal narrative
~Retell nursery rhymes and fairy tales in their own words

Course Outline Lesson Topics
Students will soar to new heights in their writing ability by focusing on and mastering the following lesson topics:
Lesson 1: Writing a Letter (Weeks 1-2) Theme: Grandparents 
Lesson 2: Standard Spelling (Weeks 3) Theme: Planets and Space 
Lesson 3: Acrostics (Weeks 4-6) Theme: Holidays 
Lesson 4: Poems and Nursery Rhymes (Weeks 7-9) Theme: Nursery Rhymes 
Lesson 5: Fairy Tales and Predictable Stories (Weeks 10-12) Theme: Fairy Tales 
Week 12: Putting the final polish on all final pieces of work for a "Writer's Café" on the last day of semester 1.  This is a fun day where students get to share the pieces of work they are most proud of with others.
Semester 2 will cover:
Lesson 6: In the News 
Theme: Neighborhood and Community 
Lesson 7: Writing with Humor (Voice)
Theme: Dinosaurs 
Lesson 8: Problem and Solution
Theme: Ocean Animals 
Lesson 9: Character and Setting
Theme: Animal Homes 
Lesson 10: Story Organizers
Theme: Community Helpers 

Class Structure - How will the lessons be formatted?
For each topic mentioned about, the lesson will be broken into these type lesson parts:
~Guided Writing Practice
Children learn by example.  Guided writing practice allows them to take part while the teacher models correct writing techniques for the students.
~Pre-Writing activities
Every lesson topic will have a picture book read aloud, and many lessons will offer related warm-up games or exercises.
~Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a key component in the writing process.  This is a shared experience with students, guided by the teacher.
~Writing
This is the main focus of each lesson.  This is where the child will use the previous skills to write their own sentences and stories.
~Editing & Revising
This is only a gentle correction and improvement, so they can learn that editing is a part of the writing process.
~Activity Set Worksheets (These will be provided)
These worksheets are themed and reinforce the skills taught.
~Publishing the Writing Project
This is the most exciting and rewarding experience for young authors. The students will publish in creative and artistic ways.
~Evaluating Student's Work
The teacher has evaluation sheets for each child.  This is not meant so much as a grading device, but to help determine where each student is exceeding, and where they may need a little more help.  These are kept private, and only shared with parents.
~Extension activities to dig a little deeper 
These are extra assignments that will be given as optional.  A fun way to extend on your learned knowledge.

This course is fun and effective!  Your child will enjoy the activities whether your child is a reluctant writer or loves to write.  

Please contact me with any questions you may have- especially if you are not quite sure which level is appropriate for your child. Part 2 of this class will be held during the traditional spring semester of school.