Year 1 Bulletin
Learning intention: To experiment with rhyming words and use repetition in our writing.
6+1 Traits of Writing: WORD CHOICE
Learning Task:
The purpose of the task was to encourage students to identify and experiment with using
rhyming words in their writing, and to imitate the structure of a story. This was done using a mentor text. A mentor text is a piece of writing that can serve as an example of good writing for students.
We read Mem Fox’s book, BOO to a goose, which explores rhyme and repetition.
We discussed the repeated phrases and similar vocabulary in the text. In addition, we identified the use of verbs at the start of sentences -
dance, ride, dive, play, gobble, take, swim, feed, walk, dye, walk, eat, skip
Students were asked to emulate the structure of the text with our support:
‘I would … but I wouldn’t say ‘BOO’ to a goose’
Shared Writing
Firstly, we created a shared piece of writing as a class.
What is Shared Writing?
It is where: Teachers model and verbalise their thinking around writing
In shared writing, the students collaborate with the teacher to jointly construct a written text. The teacher acts as scribe, prompting, questioning and supporting the students as the text is shaped.
Students need to be able to clearly see the text as it is constructed. Through this process, the teacher is scaffolding and supporting students’ development of writing skills.
The students worked in pairs to write and illustrate. This formed a class book that will go into our Classroom Library.
The task enabled students to discriminate sounds (an ability to recognize similarities and differences between sounds) and work collaboratively. Firstly, the students shared their ideas orally, which supports writers with developing ideas. This leads to sharing what they will draw on the page which in turn, promotes the use of expressive vocabulary.
Student examples:
Regardless of where they sit on the learning continuum as a writer, students are inspired to express their ideas and use specific vocabulary to connect with the reader, orally, pictorially and in written word.
Strengthening the Home/School Partnership - What you can do:
- Read books that contain rhyme. Dr Seuss books are perfect to explore rhyme! Other great books:
- The Gruffalo
- Room on the Broom
- Sheep in a Jeep
- Oi Frog!
- Aliens Love Underpants
- The Very Cranky Bear
- Giraffes Can’t Dance
- Write rhyming sentences together, encouraging your child to think of a word that rhymes with your word. HAVE FUN! Your sentence can be non-sensical (just like Dr Seuss)
- On the school website, there is a presentation that focuses on Writing. Please take the time to view this and familiarise yourself with our whole school approach to writing.
Angela and Steph
Year 1 Team