EKK!

Melissa!  I am SO glad you are back in action! 

Here's an update on what's going on in 1st grade.

Today I introduced the "special paper" 1st grade writers use.  I modeled writing a story on it (as far as teaching goes it went well, but as far as mini skirts go, it was definitely on the retro broomstick skirt side-if you know what I mean!)  Then I let them try their own special paper.  I started their engines by letting them brainstorm what they would draw/write at the beginning/middle/end with a partner.  I took notes while they were writing. And I added FOUR names to the brag board :) 

I am a little weary about what to teach next.  Here's what I saw:

Some students only drew pictures and put their hands on their head (a signal we do a lot in other subjects in 1st grade to show that they are done and ready for me to check their work). 

So many raised hands!  I tried not to answer their questions- to get them into the routine of actual workshop, but it was hard!  They just sit there forever thinking I'll come :)

When students finished (or thought they were finished when they only drew the pictures :0) they started talking to each other and distracting others around them.

Some students didn't even get to the writing and spent their time drawing/adding color- even after I modeled quick pictures in my lesson.

Some of my students are having a hard time writing Beginning Middle End (this showed up when we told oral stories as well).

Where should I start tomorrow? 

I'm thinking maybe "Yesterday, while we were writing I saw a lot of people show me they were finished, but they didn't know what to do when they finished."  and explain they should get their bookbag.  I feel like I need to be modeling BME but I must learn to keep my lessons short!  Should I talk about crayons last also?  Or wait on that?  Am I headed in the right direction?  There is so much to teach and so little time!  What's the most important thing to teach next?  EKK!

What are your thoughts, writers?

So Sorry

To those of you who have posted on here... let me say I'm sorry for not reading and checking this every night. I need to change the settings to notify me when there are new posts! I'm here now.. and I'm working to comment on your posts/questions! KEEP THE BLOG ROLLING! This can become whatever you all need it or want it to be! :)

Melissa

Thanks Melissa!

Our Dean of Students attended the 1 day Writer's Workshop training last Thursday.  I got to talk with her about what she thought, and she was so impressed!  Thanks Melissa for spreading your excitement!  Now there are two teachers who will catch on fire at our school! :) I am very, very excited!

Assessment

I did my baseline assessment and wanted to know what the next step was. The students are super excited about writer's workshop, but I need to know what I do after the assessment. Thanks for your comments and help.

Questions

Today I was able to take a baseline assessment and begin my anecdotal notes.  Tomorrow I will introduce the Writer's Notebook and begin to decorate!! 

I was also able to share what I learned at the WW Institute with the 1st and 2nd grade teams today.  They had some great questions that I thought I would get your feedback on a couple because I frankly do not know the answer to them.

1. During mini lessons, are we suppose to teach grammar? Or should we devote another time during the day to spend on that part of writing?  (5-10 minutes seems like crunch time for these lessons!  Yikes!)

2. Is it just a teacher preference to allow your students to draw before they write, or is there an age appropriate answer?

I would love to know your thoughts! 

Just checking to see if I am successful at connecting and posting. Looking forward to Monday, when my students will begin their writer's notebooks. Good wishes for all you writers out there!

Great Fun!

Had a lot of fun at the session yesterday and can't wait for the next session!

Day one

Day one of the Writers workshop. Off we go. Hope this turns out great.

Hello from Donna

This morning has been a great learning session, in order to get students fired up about writing.

Welcome to the Third Writer's Workshop Institute

I want to welcome you and tell you just how EXCITED I am for you to be a part of our Third Writer's Workshop Institute here at ESC Region 12. Writer's Workshop Institute is powerful and it can be transforming for your classroom writing instruction if you choose to let it!  Becoming a teacher of writers is a journey... and with Writer's Workshop Institute you are surrounded by others on the same path.  I challenge you to be willing to "not know" where you are going, but to forge ahead anyway. I will hold your compass, I will be your guide. It is my honor to be your teacher! Lace up your hiking boots... here we go!