Years ago I went to a district workshop where a teacher, who had just finished her masters, was sharing her writing idea called “Small Pod Sharing”.
This is how it works: I give groups of two or three children half a piece of chart paper. My only instructions are to draw and write on the paper. Sometimes I give them a very general topic related to our theme study, but other times it’s completely open-ended.
The beauty of this activity is that it encourages lots of writing talk and sharing. The kids also help each other with spelling.
When we’re finished, each group gets up and presents their piece. It’s lots of fun and the kids love it!
Speaking of loving things, I’ve had several children ask me in the last two days if we can do “Play ‘n Write” again (see previous post)!
Don’t you just love it when they ask stuff like that? Much better than … when is it recess? Ha ha.
Take care!
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WoW . . . great activity! Thanks. I LIKEd you on FB . . . don't forget that promise to guest post at the Corner, sweet friend!BarbaraThe Corner On Character
Thanks for sharing Barbara! I have been away from blog land for a couple of months now. I am getting caught up. I am realizing how much I have missed everyone lolMalarie
you have so many wonderful authentic writing experiences for your kidssandirubber boots and elf shoes
I agree-it's so nice when you do something you see as so good and the kids enjoy it so much too! Don't you wish every day was like that?Thanks for sharing these unique writing opportunities. I can't wait to try this.-ChrissyHttp://firstgradefoundme.blogspot.com
Thanks, Barbara 🙂 I'd love to post at some point!
Nice to \”see\” you again. I was wondering where you had gotten to 🙂
Thanks, Sandi and Chrissy. You two both inspire me in so many ways!
This is great. I'm reading and studying two books right now and this is exactly what they say to do. You are such an authentic teacher. Your kids are so lucky. Now, where is your summer?!Kimberley1stinmaine.blogspot.com
I love that on so many levels – how open ended it is, the freedom it gives the kiddos {so often it seems like everything we have them do is so prescripted}, how it encourages them to work together…really like that!Thanks for sharing! :)I pinned it! :)HollyCrisscross Applesauce in First Grade
Fun writing activity! I like how the kids can help each other. Sometimes it is fun to write with others and not just by ourselves. :)LoriConversations in Literacy
Thanks, Kimberley … you always leave such sweet comments. I'm trying very hard for authentic … that's why I just bought Lucy Calkins writing all year long books (I think that's what they're called).YES! Where is my summer? It's been raining off and on ALL week. I still have four more teaching days and one admin day … almost there 🙂
Thanks, Holly! Hey, I'm glad you pinned it 🙂
Everything's better with friends, I think!
I see you've made it to 401. No more being stuck at 400. I know the stuck feeling quite well. 🙂 Thanks for always sharing great ideas!❀ TammyForever in First
This is a great idea and goes along with the common core objectives for speaking and listening, too. Can't wait to use this one.LindaC