<P><img src=http://teacherweb.com/IL/PioneerElementarySchool/MrsZidersFirstGrade/gardenbanner.gif></P>Planting the Seeds of Learning Fun in Grade One!

Write-n-Tells are a writing component of our homework that begins in October. Here is the letter that parents receive to explain our Write-n-Tell program. When this note is sent home, a yellow piece of our regular writing paper is attached. It is double sided so the children's stories can get gradually longer as the weeks go on. I only expect one or two sentences at first. By the end of the year most students fill in both sides. The best part is that I save each Write-n-Tell and bind it at the end of the year so each child has all of his/her writing for the year. Another perk is the fun that the children have with the "telling" part of this homework. Every Friday we get into five groups and read the Write-n-Tells with play microphones. The children love to both read and hear each others' stories. Best of all an authentic reason for writing makes the program all the more successful!

WRITE-N-TELL PAPERS

Dear Parents,

The time has come for our Write-n-Tell papers to begin. As a class, we have been working on coming up with ideas for our writing, as well as making many class books. We will also continue to learn about the 6 Traits of Writing in our classroom.

Here are some helpful hints...

Let your child write about whatever he/she is interested in. (vacations, pets, family, toys) He/she can even bring a photo or toy if it applies to his/her writing piece.
Encourage your child to write at least 1-2 sentences in the beginning. You know your child best, have him/her write more if he/she is able.
Have your child prewrite on a piece of paper and correct the mistakes together, this will help him/her learn about editing writing.
Save the yellow homework paper for the finished product. This must be written by your child and he/she should be able to read it.
The writing should be done over a couple of days, please do not try to fit it all in the night before it is due. Your child will be tired, not very productive, and resent the work.
Encourage stretching words out to "hear the sounds" or even "share the pencil" which means you help write some of the harder words on the pre-writing sheet.
Most of all...have fun...enjoy spending this time with your child. You will be amused at the thoughts that come out!

Write-n-Tells will be sent home on Fridays and are due back the following Friday. I will keep all of the Write-n-Tells throughout the year and bind them for your child to have at the end of the year. You will be amazed at the growth you will see by year's end.

HAPPY WRITING!

Mrs. Zider

(Special thanks for Mrs. Keim for bringing this idea and letter to our school.)

Planting the Seeds of Learning Fun in Grade One!

Write-n-Tells

©2009 TeacherWeb, Inc.