Writing

First we learn the sounds and letters by looking at pictures and saying the first sound clearly.

Then we learn about the correct letter formation for that sound.

We also learn to recognise Early Words instantly. We use a special placemat in Room 1 that helps us with our daily writing.

Here is what we learn first at writing time...

The writing standard

After one year at school, students will create texts as they learn in a range of contexts across the New Zealand Curriculum within level 1. Students will use their writing to think about, record, and communicate experiences, ideas, and information to meet specific learning purposes across the curriculum.

Key characteristics of students' writing at this level

Students will plan for writing, using talk or pictures. They will independently write simple texts, drawing on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will help them achieve their purpose. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes expected at this level, including those needed for spelling and punctuation, are described in the Literacy Learning Progressions.

The texts that students write will include, when appropriate:

• an idea, response, opinion, or question
• several sentences (including some compound sentences with simple conjunctions such as 'and')
• some key personal vocabulary and high-frequency words
• attempts at transferring words encountered in the writer's oral language or reading to their writing.

Illustrating the writing standard

Click to enlarge

On the weekend

The task exemplifies the writing demands of the English curriculum within level 1.

The students have been writing independently about their favourite holiday activity. They have been asked to plan, write, and then check their work.

This is the student’s first draft. Features of the writing that demonstrate the standard are described below.

This example illustrates the sorts of writing that teachers can expect of students who are meeting the standard. To meet the standard, students draw on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for writing described in the Literacy Learning Progressions for students at this level.

Click to enlarge

I wonder why we have night and day?

The task exemplifies the writing demands of the English and science curriculum learning areas within level 1.

The students have been asked to write an explanation to answer the question 'I wonder why we have night and day?' The teacher has supported the students in this task by having them practise giving oral explanations on a familiar topic and by building their understanding of the topic through a variety of practical activities. The teacher has also provided appropriate reference materials and has explicitly taught relevant vocabulary.

This example illustrates the sorts of writing that teachers can expect of students who are meeting the standard. To meet the standard, students draw on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for writing described in the Literacy Learning Progressions for students at this level.

Published on: 19 Oct 2009

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