If you’ve ever used any of the big three educational information providers (Blackboard, Brightspace, or Framingham), you know that they all require a bit of a learning curve to be effective. Now imagine having to navigate that learning curve all by yourself while being a first-time mom (or dad) to a newborn.
You could be experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or even resentment because your time feels so limited. But fear not, because here is where Lucy Calkins comes in.
Called a “comprehensive writer’s notebook” by one national publication, Lucy Calkins’ signature workbook for first-grade students is a comprehensive resource that will provide you with just what you need to bring your kid’s early writing skills to the next level.
Called a “writing utopia for kids” by another, this book contains all the details you need to be able to give your child the gift of writing. And what’s more, it comes with a built-in lesson plan that will keep your little one engaged while they learn.
How Does It Work?
Like many other books in its category, Lucy Calkins’ First Grade Writing Workbook contains a mixture of written and spoken materials. The former are useful for reference while the latter can enhance your child’s learning experience.
The first section of the book contains a guide for writing letters, giving your young author tips on how to write effectively while also introducing them to the concept of punctuation. This is useful for developing their grammatical skills while also encouraging them to use correct punctuation.
Then, there are five themed units your child can complete in order to build their skills and confidence. These themed units are themed around five Common Core State Standards for first grade students:
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.RST.3 Identify and describe the major themes or ideas in a written work
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.RST.4 Determine whether an argument supports, refutes, or offers additional information regarding a claim
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.RST.5 Analyze how a piece of fiction or non-fiction uses details to create an illusion of reality
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.RST.6 Construct viable arguments supporting claims made in an opinion piece
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.RST.7 Evaluate the effectiveness of advertising (including advertising online)
Each themed unit contains a range of learning activities including short stories, journal entries, graphic organizers, as well as a writing prompt. Additionally, the book includes a variety of authentic sources for your children to use including newspapers, magazines, and online resources.
What’s more, the activities can be used in a number of different ways. For example, depending on your child’s skill level, you could start by simply reading the story and pointing out words you don’t understand. Then, you could ask your kids questions about what they have read, engage in some guided reading, or even read the stories aloud and have your kids follow along as you read.
In short, this book makes creating written works easy for young children while also fostering their growth as independent thinkers. And all of this comes with a built-in lesson plan that you can customize to fit your schedule.
What Can You Expect From It?
If you’re a first-time parent, you know that the first year of your child’s life is filled with sleepless nights, guilt, and a general feeling of overwhelm.
Lucy Calkins’ First Grade Writing Workbook is intended to take some of that burden away by easing your child’s transition into the world of writing. Not only will it help your little one get started, but it can also serve as a constant reminder to yourself that you’re not alone in this parenting process.
Including both spoken and written instruction, this workbook will walk you through all the basics of writing including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. More importantly, it will give you the confidence to continue teaching your child how to write despite your newborn’s fatigue peaks and valleys. And what’s more, it includes a built-in lesson plan that you can customize to fit your schedule.
Writing a letter to a friend can be a useful exercise for your child. It can also open up new worlds for them. Not only will it help their hand-eye coordination and mental sharpness, but it can also allow them to explore different topics and develop their writing style. With your guidance and support, your child can become comfortable with making written requests to those they care about.
This book is great for children who need extra help with their writing. Whether your child is struggling with their spelling or simply needs some help with the mechanics behind putting words together, this book can serve as a useful guide. Additionally, it can help your kids become more comfortable with making mistakes as they develop their skills.
What’s more, parents whose kids have dyslexia or other spelling issues can benefit from this book because it contains a phonetic alphabet and guidance on how to help their child become more independent with their spelling.
It is always great when a book can work for both children and adults. With the right tools, everybody can enjoy reading and writing more effectively. From the very beginning, when your little one starts interacting with the written word, this book will help them develop their skills quickly and smoothly. And as your child grows, this book can continue to serve as a useful guide for them as they continue to develop their writing style.
With a built-in lesson plan and useful tips for both children and adults, this book is an essential addition to any library. It’s also a great guide for new parents who are looking for ways to keep their kids engaged during those first few critical months after birth. What’s more, with a copy for every parent, teachers can also benefit from this book as a source of instructional information.