Yesterday my students and I hosted an Author's Tea and Holiday Celebration. My students have been writing in the non-fiction genre in writer's workshop and everyone had a book they authored and illustrated to share with their parents and the families of the other students. Most of the books were about different kinds of animals. They read their book to their family members and the parents of their classmates and then we all enjoyed healthy snacks that my students' parents provided.
There were lots of preparations for the event. First, students picked their topics. We encouraged them to pick a topic that they already knew at least five facts about. Then, Mrs. Hernandez, the school librarian, and I found books for each student that matched the topic they chose. We tried to find books that had large teaching illustrations and books with text that students could read. A parent volunteer, Mr. Powers (an Ed Tech who comes in during writing time), and myself listened to the students read the books and/or read the books to the students. This process provided lots of background information for students which made it easier for them to author their books.
While we were building their schema, they were concurrently writing their books and going through the editing process. Finally, the big day came! They spent a few minutes before their families came practicing reading their books. Here is a video of some of the students practicing.
Thank you to everyone who attended. Your first graders were so excited to be hosts and hostesses for this very special event.
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