Let’s Start Writing!

August 28, 2013

We are full into the swing of things here in Mrs. Jones’ Class!
Yesterday during writing we talked about the rules and expectations of writing and we practiced some sustained writing time in our journals. Today, I wanted to kick things off with a fun lesson!

 

I saw the book, Rocket Writes a Story, the other day at Target and I had to grab it! It is so cute and inspired me to create a fun, little lesson for my class.
 To prepare, I cut out the word cards and taped them up around the room. I read the story aloud and we talked about how words can inspire us to write all sorts of different stories. Then, I modeled walking around with my collecting sheet and choosing 4 words that inspired me! Next, I modeled writing my own short story using the four words I chose:
“There once was a queen who had a pet dog, Max. The queen and Max were going on a boat trip. When they were on the boat, it started to rain and the queen found an umbrella to keep her dry.”

 

I then prompted students to ask more questions about my story to help me add more (just like the owl and teacher from the story).
Example questions:
Where was the queen going? What did Max look like? Did Max get wet in the rain? Was there a storm or just a little rain?, etc.

 

When I finished my modeled lesson, I passed out the collecting sheets and let students try it themselves!

We have lots to work on, but what else would you expect during the first full week of first grade?! Overall, I am so proud of their hard work and I am using these as their beginning of the year writing assessments. I already can’t wait to see their progress as the year continues 🙂
Since it was such a hit in my classroom, I decided to make it into a freebie for you! Click on the image below to download the lesson for yourself.

 
 

Want to take your students from scribbles and sketches to writing published stories?!
I have a free 4-part video series you can watch here. Just click below to get the info!

 

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Beginning Writing
Happy writing!

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  • Thank you, thank you, thank you!
    Being a little new to 1st grade….this is going to be awesome! I can't wait! I'll let you know how it goes! You are so sweet!
    Counting down the days Mrs. Jones????????
    Going to get a Honeymoon squeezed in????????
    You are one tough cookie taking on all you have!
    Hugs from 1st grade,
    Tanya

  • Thanks so much! I read Rocket at the beginning of the week to launch my writer's workshop and used your words of inspiration hunt today. The kids loved it! Heard one say "This is the best writing day ever!" Can't wait to write short stories tomorrow!

  • I think this is going to be my new way to introduce the love of reading and writing. You have such great ideas!! Thanks