This week, I taught my students how to write a “How-to” piece of writing. We have been writing nonfiction (for the most part) all year. We use this chart to help remind of the differences between fiction and nonfiction for reading and writing.
Anywho, we first created a snowman Interactive Writing chart for “How to Build a Snowman.” This is funny to me because in Texas it doesn’t feel like winter.
Then, the next day, I did my mini lesson on the board with dry erase markers. I usually do it on chart paper but since they moved my projector to show on my white board, I loved the fact that I could do my work on the same paper as they will complete their work. I hope that makes sense. HAHA!
I decided to go ahead and write about “How to make a snowman” for my mini lesson. Then, I passed out this paper and students wrote their own how-to piece. They were not allowed to use my snowman example. They turned out so good. I thought I had took pictures but I guess not. I will add them later. We had How to…make a paper airplane, make a pb&j, get dressed, learn to read, play soccer, etc. They really did well. Here is the printable for your downloading pleasure.
We have the Lucy Calkins curriculum so we are on book six this six weeks. I will post more about the work we did during this past six weeks soon.
Also, I just posted my St. Patrick's Day Unit. I will post a freebie tomorrow.
Have a great week friends!!!
Tammy says
We just started How-To writing in my first grade class. I love hearing that kindergarten writers are doing the same. Your first grade teachers are lucky!
❀ Tammy
Forever in First
laughinbrunette (Jennifer) says
Love this!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
Angela says
I love your shared writing piece on the snowman! We start writing All-About books tomorrow, then we'll transition to How-to's in a few weeks. They are always so cute! I give the kids a very similar graphic organizer, but I number the boxes, double-sided, 1-6 in case they have more than three steps so they don't get confused when they transfer the story to a booklet. I'm looking forward to seeing the update of what your kids produced!
Annie Moffatt says
This looks great:)
Holly says
I have to thank you SOOOOOOOOO much for the awesome unit that I won of yours over at Cheryl's blog {Crayons and Curls}….seriously, I'm so ready for this month because of you. Holy moly….thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!
Did I say thank you?!?!?!?!
Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
Meggan says
What Lucy Caulkins curriculum are you referring to? Thanks for the freebie! I LOVE your anchor chart that reminds kids of the difference between genres.
Crystal says
Holly, I am so glad you liked it!!
Meggan, check out this link for more info:
http://unitsofstudy.com/default.asp
hcarp says
I love your writing help. My school does Lucy calkins writing. I am the writing specialist and teach writing to the whole school. I have never been trained to use Lucy calkins I am just learning as I go. Any ideas and help are greatly appreciated. hcarpenter@ebrschools.org
Enrichment Centres in Singapore says
So basically your kids can already write other how-to masterpiece other than the snowman? If my country does not snow and snowman isn't that much of a motivation to start with, what do you suggest I can do with similar theme to yours?
Maria Esparza says
Thanks, for the freebie we also use Lucy Calkins for our writing,it it new for us and we learning as we go.