The first element that first-graders should be aware of is the basic information that every invitation should contain. Brainstorm with your class about what an invitation should include. Make sure you cover who is invited, what the event is and where and when it takes place. Give your students cards with these basic prompts and blank spaces for them to fill in. Let them practice writing information for a fictional event. You might also include a space to write what activities will occur at the event and what guests should bring.
Once students have mapped out the basic information for their party, they should be able to write it out in paragraph form. Have your students take their information cards and write a sentence or two for each piece of basic information. Help the weaker students with their writing. Tell them to remember that the letter should be enough on its own as an invitation, and so it should tell the reader everything they need to know about the party.
An invitation can include a fun description of the event as a general introduction to the invitation. Have your first-grade students write a colorful description of their made-up party or get-together. Ask them to describe in detail what fun activities will take place at the party, and why it will be the best event of the year. Help them set the scene by starting off with an exciting sentence, such as, "Imagine you show up at a house and find yourself surrounded by toys, balloons and candy."
A crucial part of any invitation is making it look nice. Have your students produce a copy of their invitation good enough to be sent out and delivered. Let students use construction paper of different colors, markers, glitter glue and sticker. Instruct them to use a design that reflects on the content of their party. For instance, an invitation for a Halloween party could contain orange and black and other scary colors and designs.