First Grade Response to Literature

In first grade during a Kevin Henkes' author study, students worked during reading to compare, discuss, and retell Kevin Henkes' texts like "Chrysanthemum", "Julius, Baby of the World", and "Shiela Rae the Brave". A class favorite was "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse." In Writer's Workshop, students focused on responding to literature. They concentrated on writing a great introduction, retelling the main parts of the story, and providing a sense of closure with a connection or a comment on why they liked the story.

In this video, you can listen to a student reading her Response to Literature on "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse." The piece meets the standard for a first grade writer. You will notice that her paper begins with an introduction--Have you ever herd a book called Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse? Well I have. Let me tell you about it. The student continues with a fairly detailed retelling that captures the main parts of the story. (Lilly loves school; Lilly goes shopping and buys a purse, boots, and sunglasses; Lilly gets her items taken away and writes Mr. Slinger a bad note; She goes home and brings snacks back to school.) She then concludes the story with a connection--I liked this book because I like to bring things to school even though I do not get in troble. The next step for this student would be to add to her retelling by stating that Mr. Slinger gave back her items at the end of the day and Lilly went home feeling badly for placing the bad letter in Mr. Slingers backpack. At home she punishes herself and writes Mr. Slinger a new happy note. In addition, she could work on articulating a big idea or theme in the story (e.g., "This story is about Lilly learning a valuable lesson in obedience and keeping the special relationship between teacher and student.")

Video Link: http://mallonmessages.blogspot.com/2009/03/response-to-literature-lillys-purple.html

Have you ever herd a book called Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse? Well I have. Let me tell you about it. Well first she started school and she loved her new teacher. She would say "I love school!" She went shopping the next day. This is what Lilly got a purple plastic purse, some boots, and some rockstar sunglasses. The next day she went back to school. She was VERY exited. She really wanted to share them. "Not right now" said Mr. Slinger. "Wait until recess or sharing time." But Lilly could not wait! This is what her purse looks like. This is what the three shiny qurters looked like! This is what her rockstar glasses looks like!

She kept on asking "Could I share yet?" "No not yet," said Mr. Slinger, "Wait until recess or sharing time." But Lilly just could not wait. She wrote a note. Here is the note she wrote. Later in the story she wrote a nother note at the light bulb lab.

After school she sneaked the bad letter in to Mr. Slingers Desk. The next day she got her purple plastic purse and her three shiny quarters and her rockstar glasses tooked away. She was very sad. She ran right home. She told her Mommy and her Daddy. Then her Daddy made som chezzy, crunchy and yummy snack's to take to school. It was kind of a sorry snack. She felt better now. I liked this book because I like to bring things to school even though I do not get in troble.