For many Kindergarten students, the year is a progression from scribble writing, to random letters, to beginning sounds, to inventive spelling, to sight words. Just as children learn to read by reading, first graders learn to write by writing. There are many opportunities to write for real reasons. Journal writing takes place in all classrooms. Teachers model a variety of writing forms.
First graders give written responses to literature that has been shared.
They also make class books. Science journals provide opportunities for children to record information. This year the students have been visiting their habitat and after using their senses, they have recorded their observations in habitat booklets. Since all teachers have received training in Empowering Magical Writes , first graders are exposed to great children's literature so that they can learn about narrative writing and practice that craft in writing workshop. All teachers read aloud to their classes daily and have conversations about what makes a good story.