Author's Chat

                My students are published authors!  First graders had the best time working in their individual offices sharing their writing with visitors during our Author’s Chat today.  Each student had a Writing Briefcase filled with published writings throughout the year.  This week we spent time reflecting on each piece of writing.  First graders laughed at their writings from the beginning of the year.  They were able to pick out the many ways they had improved throughout the year.   Goals were set for their continued improvement in writing.  I loved how their areas to work on were often the same as I would have picked for them. 

            Students were most excited to share our class published book “Research Detectives”.  This book was published from Student Treasures Publishing Company.  We spent a couple weeks researching topics that interested each individual.  We had books on many animals and favorite activities.  Together we went through the five steps of the writing process.  In the end, we had an incredible book that will be a family treasure for these 20 authors.    I just couldn’t send the books home without a big celebration!

         

              Our Author’s Chat was an amazing learning adventure.  How often do first graders get to feel like professionals with briefcases, nameplates, and individual offices?   Visitors were given questions to ask our first graders.  I wanted this to be a time for students to think deeply about their writing and celebrate their accomplishments.   What a huge success!!