Bring Out the Play Doh!

In first grade we have a big focus on most common word lists. These lists are full of words that are frequently seen in the books students are reading and are words that can be transferred to our writing. I remember when I was younger and learned these words by just writing them 5 times each as homework. But for these first graders, that just wouldn’t do! So we have learned a variety of ways to practice including rainbow writing, fancy writing, and scratch art writing. Students love getting the chance to write their words in a new way.

    Now that we mastered those ways to practice it was time for a change, which meant it was time to bring out the play doh! My students' reaction was absolutely priceless when I told them we would be using play doh to build our words. They could barely contain their excitement! Each student was given their own container of play doh and a cover slip with the words we have been working on. Once students received their materials, a hush fell over the entire room. Students were so focused on completing this task and did not want to be interrupted. The only sound heard was students saying the word once they built it. It was amazing to see my students so focused and excited about words! I can’t wait to see them add these words to their writing and read them in their books!