Item Details

Who Wins? First Grade Authors Do!

Issue: Vol 6 No. 3 (2014)

Journal: Writing & Pedagogy

Subject Areas: Writing and Composition Linguistics

DOI: 10.1558/wap.v6i3.665

Abstract:

Common Core Standards involve an increased emphasis on non-fiction reading and writing. Across grade bands, students are expected to read and compose a variety of non-fiction texts as well as develop age appropriate research skills. With this in mind, the author worked with a 1st grade teacher to use Jerry Pallotta’s Who Would Win? series in a class non-fiction writing project that was standards-based. The class consisted of a wide range of ability levels, so the author and teacher frequently used cooperative learning strategies throughout the entire process. Using the series as a model, the students were guided through the writing process, from pre-writing to publishing, with the culminating activity being a meeting with Pallotta where students presented him with their class authored Who Would Win? book. As a result of the writing unit, students were able to experience non-fiction texts on a variety of levels and craft a quality piece of literature that was authentic, relevant, and personal.

Author: Rebecca G Harper

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