This year I adapted the idea of the Alphabet Key from The Writing Book. Determined to complete the writing activity on the first day back, I gave each child only one letter to focus on, rather than attempting to get everyone completing 26 sentences.
After sharing our holiday news, we looked at the model and discussed what would make a quality sentence. Each child was given a Post It note with their focus letter (differentiated for ability) and brainstormed on their whiteboards some words they knew that started with their letter. Confident children quickly started to compose their sentences, some worked with a buddy and I worked with those needing more support.
The finished sentences were conferenced and then typed up to add to our hub blog. It was great to see the children discussing ideas and helping each other and they were excited to share the finished piece with family the next morning.
Our Holiday ABC
At a restaurant for dinner. (Blake)
Bus to the mountains - climbing high. (Sofia)
Calling Mum from Nana’s - nice to hear her voice! (Sarah)
Driving to the airport to go to Wellington for my birthday. (Daniel)
Exciting fishing off the rocks at Karaki beach with my family. (Lundon)
For a treat at New Plymouth park, we got delicious ice cream. (Olivia)
Going to my friend’s house. (Hilary)
Hot and sunny days with my family. (Charlie M)
Interesting games on my device. (Wynter)
Josie came to give me a birthday invitation. (Georgie)
Keeping cool in the pool on hot days. (Will)
Listening to the birds chirping in Australia. (Hamish)
Me, Mum and Grandad at Hanmer Springs. (Tamaki)
Nerf gun games. (Aryadeep)
On my device playing Roblox. (Zam)
People at the mall. (Brodie)
Queenstown with Mum and Dad. (Ashley)
River fun - swimming with my Mum and Dad. (Rick)
Swimming in the school pool with Zara. (Matilda)
Time with my cousin in Parnassus. (Max)
Underneath the water blowing bubbles.
Very sick from too much ice cream. (Charlie D)
Wellington Zoo with Dad and Sarah. (Audrey)
eXciting family tramp to noisy Washpen Waterfall. (Leo)
Yelling and screaming at the beach.
Zooming around the Margaret Mahy playground with friends.
