Language Arts
Grade 1: Writing
Overall Expectations
•communicate ideas (thoughts, feelings, experiences) for specific purposes (e.g.,write a letter to a friend describing a new pet);
•organize information so that the writing conveys a clear message (e.g., describe events in the proper sequence: We went to see the dog. I liked him very much. We took him home on the bus);
•write simple sentences using proper punctuation (i.e., periods);
•produce short pieces of writing using simple forms (e.g., stories, descriptions, lists of information);
•use some materials from other media (e.g., computer clip-art) to enhance their writing;
•begin to revise written work, with the assistance of the teacher;
•use and spell correctly the vocabulary appropriate for this grade level;
•use correctly the conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.) specified for this grade level (see below). 
Specific Expectations
Grammar 
•write simple but complete sentences;
•correctly form the plural of single-syllable words (e.g., ball/balls, dog/dogs);
Punctuation
•use a period at the end of a statement;
•use a comma after a salutation in a letter or note (e.g., Dear Mom,);
Spelling 
•correctly spell words identified by the teacher (on charts/lists posted in the room and on individual word lists);
•use phonics to spell unfamiliar words;
•use capitals to begin sentences and to differentiate certain words (the pronoun I, names, days of the week, and months);
Word Use and Vocabulary Building 
•use words from their oral vocabulary as well as less familiar words from class-displayed word lists;
Visual Presentation 
•print legibly (capitals and small letters);
•leave spaces between words.
 Expectations: Copyright The Queen's Printer for Ontario, 1997.  With thanks to B.Phillips, 1998.
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