We are actively involved in a variety of writing activities each and every day in our classroom. Throughout this year, we will use the following models as we progress toward our goal:

• Modeled/Shared Writing - the students and the teacher work together to write text with the teacher acting as the scribe.

• Interactive Writing - the students and the teacher compose writing pieces together using a "shared pen" in which the students do some of the writing.

• Independent Writing - the students all write independently.

We are currently learning to write connecting sentences using the Four Square Method.

As we become better writers, we always have a goal in mind. The students have made a commitment to writing by understanding that to be prepared for second grade, they need to reach their goal of a Stage Four Writer.

Please take a look at the stages below.

Stage One

  A Stage One Writer...

• uses scribbles and/or pictures.

• uses strings of mixed up letters.

• can tell about his or her writing.

(Others cannot read their writing).

Stage Two

  A Stage Two Writer...

• uses some "look-alike" words.

• uses some beginning sounds.

• uses both upper and lower case letters.

• copies some familiar words.

• pretends to read own writing.

(Others cannot read their writing).

Stage Three

  A Stage Three Writer...

• strings "look-alike" words together to form sentence or sentences.

• uses beginning and ending sounds.

• uses some word wall words correctly.

• uses spaces between words most of the time.

• can read most of own writing word by word.

(Others can read most of the writing).

Stage Four

  A Stage Four Writer...

• uses two or three sentences.

• uses "look-alike" words that are sounded out with most sounds.

• uses many word wall words correctly.

• uses beginning capital letters and periods most of the time.

• uses spaces and letters correctly.

• reads own writing word by word.

(Others can read it and it makes sense!)

Stage Five

  A Stage Five Writer...

• uses three or more sentences.

• uses more correct words than "look alike" words.

• begins to elaborate and use more details in sentences.

• writes about one topic.

• uses capital letters and periods correctly.

• uses many more word wall words correctly than in Stage Four.

(Others can read it easily and it makes sense!)

Stage 6

  A Stage Six Writer...

• uses three or more longer sentences.

• uses organized writing.

• begins to use sentences that include descriptive words and details.

• stays on one topic.

• uses correctly spelled sight words.

• begins to write for various purposes.

• uses proofreading & editing with assistance (punctuation & spelling).

• revises and expands piece with assistance.

Stage 7

  A Stage Seven Writer...

• begins to develop paragraphs.

• uses organization & sequence.

• uses longer sentences that are elaborate & more complex.

• uses mostly correct spelling.

• revises & expands pieces with little assistance.

• uses proofreading & editing with little assistance (punctuation & spelling).

• writes for various purposes and uses correct structure with little assistance.

Stage 8

  A Stage Eight Writer...

• uses elaborate sentences and paragraphs (usually more than one).

• uses paragraphs that focus on 1 idea.

• stays on topic and entire piece flows logically (it makes sense).

• begins to revise by adding reasons and examples.

• uses punctuation correctly & often.

• uses the writing process independently.

• edits & revises more complex pieces.

• connects paragraphs with transitions

Please check back soon to see samples of student work.