Adding Voice to our Writing!

My students have become fluent writers in Spanish with a few grammatical errors.
:)  Most are ready for the next step and that was to try to add voice in their writing.  I created these cards to show how they can add some interesting sentences in their narratives.

Syllable Cards

My intention to make the monthly syllable cards were to have my students practice blending. So far, it's been the best center for my class! Not only do they practice segmenting and blending but they are learning new words!!! They contain vocabulary words that I don't have to teach. Also, the collaborative group work between my students is so neat to hear and see. They help each other by looking in the sea of syllables to make that word!

I did buy pizza baking sheets at Walmart for ¢92 and magnetic tape instead of the velcro and it was easier to manage. Check out the pictures for yourself!

El duende travieso

Llego el duende a nuestro salón. Se llama Kike, como Kike Camarena, el nombre de nuestra escuela. The elf arrived. His name is Kike like the name of our school.    

Writing in 1st Grade!

I love how this format is helping my students write paragraphs. Check out what their independent writing looks like. Every morning, my students take out their journal to write. They are so excited to write! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

Building Automaticity in Reading

Fluency in all subject areas is important whether it's in writing, reading or math. Kids need the constant practice to build automaticity and vocabulary especially with second language learners. My students practice reading fluency daily using these passages with one minute sand timers. They absolutely love going to this literacy center. I put the reading passages in sheet protectors, print and laminate 7 title pages in color and put in three prong folders. Next month I will place the October (Halloween theme) passages!

Matching UP Sentences

I just made these tasks cards so that my students can practice writing sentences at a center.  There are 34 different sentences in Spanish that students match with the corresponding pictures. After students match the sentences, they can write them on a separate piece of paper or on a whiteboard. These are great for centers or Daily 5 tasks.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Match-Sentences-in-Spanish-836487

Pattern Sentences and Sentence Frames

There is a process on how teach second language learners to write. I still remember Marla Fernandez teaching me back in the day the importance of sentence frames and pattern sentences. Why? We need to build automaticity in reading and WRITING. Most language learners are anxious because they can't write in the second language. Why not create independence by having them practice reading and writing pattern sentences and sentence frames?

Here is an example of what I've started since day 1 in my classroom. Can they write independently now?? YES!!! Now most of my students are ready to learn how to write stories. Starting NARRATIVE NEXT WEEK!!