Writing workshop in the 1st grade class

In the 1st grade class, students learn the alphabet through a playful approach called "the planet of the Alphas" giving the apprentice-readers the opportunity to manipulate one of the basic components of reading, the sound-alphabet link.

In the 1st grade class, students learn the alphabet through a playful approach called "the planet of the Alphas" giving the apprentice-readers the opportunity to manipulate one of the basic components of reading, the sound-alphabet link. During the first part of the year, students discover a new alpha every week. From the beginning of the school year in January, the children have realized that each alpha takes on a new shape and appears as a scripted letter. The students have learnt to recognize and trace the cursive form with different supports thanks to various workshops. It changes shape but always makes the same sound.

To learn how to write it, the pupils can familiarise themselves using a tracing method that can involve various means: on emery paper or on sand to feel its shape. The children also practice on their iPads; a little tune signals when the exercise is successful. This exercise is followed with cards, small hollow letter notebooks and finally, on Friday, the “chalice”: The Champittet writing notebook!