Small Moment Writing

In the first six weeks of Kindergarten, we have completed our "launching the writers workshop" unit and have now also completed our "illustration unit". I have seen so much improvement in the student's motivation for writing. Most impressive has been the increase in quality of student work that I have seen over the weeks. The students are putting forth their best effort during writing time and trying new ideas that we have learned from real illustrators. I am so impressed with the details that students are adding to their illustrations. 

Our unit now is  "Small Moment Writing". The students will be using ideas from their lives to write personal narratives. The foundation that we have established in these first six weeks certainly help this unit be successful. Encourage your child as writer by saying "you could write a story about that" when funny or interesting things happen in their life. 

We are working hard on writing books with pictures and words that tell beginning, middle, and end of events that really happened in our own lives. 

Day to Day Activities to Foster Young Writers:

Make sure your child sees you writing
She will learn about writing by watching you write. Talk with her about your writing so that she begins to understand why writing is important and the many ways it can be used.

Encourage your child to write, even if she's scribbling
Give your child opportunities to practice writing by helping her sign birthday cards, write stories, and make lists.

As your child gets older, write together
Have your child help you with the writing you do, including writing letters, shopping lists, and messages.

Suggest note-taking
Encourage your child to take notes on trips or outings, and to describe what she saw. This could include a description of nature walks, a boat ride, a car trip, or other events that lend themselves to note-taking.

Encourage copying
If your child likes a particular song, suggest that she learn the words by writing them down. Also encourage copying favorite poems or quotations from books and plays.

Encourage your child to read her stories out loud
As your child gets older, ask her to share her stories with you. Listen carefully without interrupting, and give her positive feedback about her ideas and her writing!

Hang a family message board in the kitchen
Offer to write notes there for your child. Be sure that she finds notes left there for her.

Help your child write letters and emails to relatives and friends
These may include thank you notes or just a special note to say hello. Be sure to send your child a letter or card once in awhile too so that she is reminded of how special it is to get a letter in the mail. Consider finding a pen pal for your child.

Encourage keeping a journal
This is excellent writing practice as well as a good outlet for venting feelings. Encourage your child to write about things that happen at home and school, about people she likes or dislikes and why, and about things she wants to remember and do. If she wants to share the journal with you, read the entries and discuss them together.

Even Willie wants to learn how to be a small moment writer!