Trait Buddies and "I Can" Statements
One of the main focuses of our writing this year will be on gaining a good foundation with the 6 Trait Buddies of Writing and the Grade One I Can Statements. Your child will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of each of these I Can Statements by the end of Grade One.
Conventions-Charlie Conventions:
I can print left to right on the line.
I can print all my letters correctly.
I can use finger spaces between my words.
I can use uppercase letters for names, at the beginning of sentences, and for the word I.
I can use end marks.
I can use the word wall to spell sight words correctly.
I can use stretchy snake to spell words I don’t know.
Content-Donna Details:
I can think of a topic I know about and can tell about.
I can add more details that tell about my topic.
I can add interesting details.
Organization-Ollie Orders:
I can think about my writing before I begin.
I can choose the kind of writing I need for my topic.
I can tell the reader my topic in my first sentence.
I can put my details in an order that makes sense.
I can write an ending for my piece.
Word Choice-Willie Word Choice:
I can use words I know.
I can use fancy words.
I can use words to paint pictures in the reader’s mind.
Sentence Structure-Sammy Sounds Good:
I can begin my sentences in different ways.
I can read my sentence out loud to see if it makes sense.
I can use linking words to make some sentences longer.
Voice-Vicky Voice:
I can think about who is reading my writing.
I can show my reader that I am interested in my topic.
I can make my writing sound like me.
I can print left to right on the line.
I can print all my letters correctly.
I can use finger spaces between my words.
I can use uppercase letters for names, at the beginning of sentences, and for the word I.
I can use end marks.
I can use the word wall to spell sight words correctly.
I can use stretchy snake to spell words I don’t know.
Content-Donna Details:
I can think of a topic I know about and can tell about.
I can add more details that tell about my topic.
I can add interesting details.
Organization-Ollie Orders:
I can think about my writing before I begin.
I can choose the kind of writing I need for my topic.
I can tell the reader my topic in my first sentence.
I can put my details in an order that makes sense.
I can write an ending for my piece.
Word Choice-Willie Word Choice:
I can use words I know.
I can use fancy words.
I can use words to paint pictures in the reader’s mind.
Sentence Structure-Sammy Sounds Good:
I can begin my sentences in different ways.
I can read my sentence out loud to see if it makes sense.
I can use linking words to make some sentences longer.
Voice-Vicky Voice:
I can think about who is reading my writing.
I can show my reader that I am interested in my topic.
I can make my writing sound like me.
I can paint a picture in my reader's mind.
What Makes Writing Good?
In Writing Workshop, we will be focusing on What Makes Writing Good. We made a list of everything we think writing should have in order to be called Good. We also labeled three pieces of writing: one as Poor, one as Good and one as Awesome. Our pictures really are worth a thousand words!
June Independent Writing Assessment
March Independent Writing Assessment
November Independent Writing Assessment
During the Grade One year, student writing is assessed on a regular basis. At NMES, we will be using the above Writing Checklists. The Writing and Representing portion of the Language Arts Report Card Rubric can also be used to assess your child's writing throughout the year. Please keep in mind that this rubric is for the END of grade one.
Editing Checklist
Writer's Checklist
We will be using the Writer's Checklist below to self-edit throughout the year. Please feel free to use this checklist with your child when they are working on their writing from home.
student_writing_checklist.pdf | |
File Size: | 207 kb |
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Alphabet Charts
First Hand Writing-Writing Workshop
First Hand Writing is a writing program that offers your child an opportunity to write about what is important and relevant to their own lives. It consists of short mini-lessons to introduce new writing concepts, conferencing time with an adult and sharing time with classmates. Each subsequent unit builds upon the previous units' mini-lessons.
Writing Workshop-Unit 1
We are currently working our way through Writing Workshop Unit 1. Please feel free to browse through the Introductory Parent Letter below.
unit_1_introductory_letter.pdf | |
File Size: | 61 kb |
File Type: |
Writing Workshop Unit 3-Writing for Readers
unit_3_introductory_letter_to_parents.pdf | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
File Type: |