Writing

 

The “Writing Center” is a place where students are able to practice their writing skills and to publish their work. Students may need help getting started. Teachers can create a “Help Board” for their writing center to aid their students (Diller, 55). Figures 8.1-8.3 provide examples of information to be included on these boards.

Teachers need to model how to:

·        Use and store materials

·        Get an idea for writing

·        Spell a word you’re not sure about

·        Put materials away

·        Mail a letter

·        Confer with a peer

·        Turn in finished work

·        Use a word book

·        Use a dictionary

(Diller, 57-58)

 

Materials

·        Paper

·        Colored paper

·        Pencils

·        Markers

·        Colored pencils

·        Staplers / staples

·        Tape

·        Hole punchers

·        Word lists

·        Chalk boards / chalk / erasers

·        Dry erase boards / markers / erasers

·        Stickers

·        Stamps

·        Blank books

·        Blank cards

·        Simple word books

·        Dictionaries

·        Typewriter

·        Envelopes

·        Note pads

·        Alphabet chart showing correct letter formation

·        Objects to describe

·        Photos

·        Author study tubs

·        Teacher, student and class made charts

·        Names chart

 

Activities

·        Write a poem

 

·        Write a list

 

·        Write a letter

 

·        Write a letter to an author

 

·        Write a letter to a character in a story

 

·        Make a card

 

·        Write a note to a friend

 

·        Write a book

 

·        Write using a story starter

 

·        Write a page for a class book: Example-Have each student bring in a picture from home and write about it. Answer: WHO is in the picture? WHERE was the picture taken? WHAT was happening in the picture? WHEN was the picture taken? WHY did you choose to bring this picture to school? Make into a class book.

 

·        Write a cartoon

 

·        Write a description for something. See if your friend can guess what you are describing.

 

·        “Expert Writing”: Write about something that you know about

 

·        Write on the chalk/dry erase board

 

·        Write using a typewriter

 

·        Write using stencils

 

·        Write with a partner

 

·        Make a book jacket

 

·        Write a book review. Include the title, author, Did you like the book? What was is about? What was your favorite part?

 

·        Make a list of _____.

 

·        Make a recipe

 

·        Create an advertisement

 

·        Write a sentence, paragraph, or essay (depending on grade) on a certain topic

 

·        Have a picture, student write about the picture

 

·        Write articles for the classroom newsletter

 

·        Take stamps or stickers and write a story about them

·        Make “About Me” books

 

·        Write a story using: First, Next, Then, Last