We started Writer's Workshop yesterday. I introduced it by telling students they will be writing books throughout the year, then modeling how to think of something to write about, and the process of getting these thoughts on paper. I told them if they can talk (can they ever!) then they can write. They are encouraged to start with a picture to represent their stories. Then they can add writing. This can be words for the pictures, letters to represent sounds, or "driting"- drawing that looks like writing. At this point anything is fine as long as they are working hard on their stories. I read several books about Writer's Workshop in the spring and the one thing they all said was don't wait to start.

We have also spent some time role playing how to resolve problems nicely, so maybe they don't even become problems. Some examples included if someone is in your way when you are packing up, if someone is using something you would like to use, if someone is doing something that is bothering you (eg. shaking a table). We had some wonderful actors and actresses showing very appropriate ways of addressing these situations and then responding. We still need a little work when these things actually occur, but we will keep working on it.

Several students have brought in items to share, which is great. We have seen several bee hives and a snake skin so far. Because 15 students can not all share in one day I am planning to make a sharing schedule by the end of the week so students will have an assigned day to share something if they choose. I have told them I do not want them to share toys. Some great sharing ideas are favorite books, special objects or things they've found (like a snake skin), pictures, or even just a story about something they've done.

Please remember to send in $3.50 for the Flynn by September 17. I have about half of the money so far.