We are just beginning month two of first grade and I think things are going pretty well. In a previous entry I mentioned that I use a gift box when I am introducing new tools to my students. I grabbed an empty box from recycling. I really scored because the box I grabbed was a copy paper box. I found some fun gift wrap and wrapped the top and bottom separately so I could use it again and again.
Today's big reveal was our Writer's Checklist and a dry erase marker to use with it! The students and I went over the checklist that they will use. I explained that they will be responsible for checking these aspects of their writing before turning in their work.
Each student will check their writing for uppercase letters at the beginning of each sentence, neatness, punctuation, and spelling word wall words correctly. As they check each item on the checklist, they use their dry erase marker to put a check in the box. As the year progresses our checklist will change and become more sophisticated to include staying on topic, commas in a series, interesting word choices, etc. For now, I want to help students build good habits which include checking their own work and reading what they have written.
Making the checklist was easy. I found pencil accents at Dollar Tree (I bet you're surprised I was there!) and glued them on the checklists which were mounted on colored paper. Last, they were laminated so they would last and the children could use a dry erase marker. One swipe of a dry paper towel and the markings are gone!
I have a few things in the works that I will post soon!
Enjoy!
