Fun Writing!

I am starting a new unit with the first graders that focuses on Writing non-fiction, expository pieces of work. We started off the Writer's Workshop yesterday with talking about things we could do better than anyone! I told them, that I could make the most yummy Cinnamon toast. I then probed them with a picture of what Cinnamon toast looks like, and that is all. I had them work in groups to discuss what THEY thought the steps were. After appointing spokes-people for their groups, we wrote the steps they believed would achieve yummy Cinnamon toast- with no help from me, at all! (See my probes after I followed their steps)

1st Graders Cinnamon Toast

1. Get bread from the bag (How many pieces?)
2.  Put cinnamon on the bread (They didn't say how much...so I just poured until the kids eyes were BIG!)
3. Put in the toaster (YIKES, although I was hesitant to follow their step, I did!) Don't worry, I cleaned out my toaster after.
4. Put butter on the toast  (Oh wow...they didn't tell me to use a butter knife, so I just smeared a stick of butter on the toast)
5. Put 1/4 cup of sugar on the bread (Oh ME oh MY ,they wanted a CUP, and not a teaspoon..talk about SWEET!)
6. Smear it all together (I used my hand to smear it all together because they didn't tell me to use a knife, or to fold the bread in half to smear it togehter...they really got a kick out of that!)
7. Eat (For fear of a cavity,I honestly couldn't bear to...but, they still thought it was hilarious)

I did this whole activity to show the importance of being specific when teaching someone how to do something. When writing a non-fiction "How-To" story, it is so crucial to assume that the audience/reader doesn't have a background knowledge on your specific topic.

After following their Cinnamon toast directions, I made a chart with them, going over the real steps...as specific as possible. Then each student was able to sample a piece of yummy Cinnamon toast.

So  much fun!

Writing with Bubble Gum!

 

The kiddoes absolutely love chewing sugar-free bubble gum during writing. I have never seen the ideas flow this fast! I am loving writing time with them. It's always so cool to watch their ideas leave there tiny little minds and head onto paper. I told them all I was turning off the TV today and reading these stories instead. I have a feeling it will be better entertainment anyways!