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Growing Wonderful Writers

The WRITE Way to Start!

Pam Desparrois

pamdesparrois@gmail.com

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Concepts About Print

Where to begin writing or reading, going from left to right
Where to go after the end of the line (return sweep)
The print, not the picture, carries the message
Word by word pointing (one-to-one correspondence)
Concept of a letter, word, sentence
Concept of first and last part (of the word, sentence, story)

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Concepts About Print

Letter order in words is important
There are first and last letters in words
Upper and lower case letters have purpose
Different punctuation marks have meaning
The purpose of space among words and sentences

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What do children need to �become writers (and readers)?

M Materials

O Opportunities

M Modeling

4

Trainer says, “Right, children need materials, opportunities and modeling. They need MOM!!”

“As children

are encouraged to use writing materials (M)
are given many opportunities to connect reading and writing through everyday
experiences (O)
observe and interact with adults modeling writing (M)

they learn to use and produce writing on their own.”

Books about Writing (3-5 minutes)

Say, “You all have one or two books that focus on writing. Books about writing motivate children to want to write. Talk at your table about how you would use this book in the classroom.” (Quick report out—1 or 2 tables share)

Ask, “How can you as a teacher help parents ‘write’ with their children? Let’s look at some take home writing activity bags.”

Home/School Connection Bags (3-5 minutes)

Say, “Look over the materials in your activity bag and talk at your table about how you would use them to encourage parents to write with their children at home.”

(Quick report out—1 idea per table share)

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Why Write?

In order for children to see themselves as writers, the focus is on self-expression rather than on letter formation or handwriting. Writing should be part of the daily routine just like reading aloud.

There should be a variety of writing opportunities available.

Modeled
Shared
Interactive
Independent

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MODELED

Written before students arrive

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Shared Writing

Teacher writes in front of students

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Interactive

Teacher and student share the pen

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�Interactive writing is based on oral language. �

Engage in conversation about the topic
Talk about composing the message and reach agreement on the particular language to use
Talk about the conventions of written language (how to write what they want to say)
Comment on interesting features of words.
Make connections between the text and other text

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Interactive to Independent

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serve as a anchor for learning

should be relevant to current work

should have a single focus

kids can help create

match the learner’s developmental level

ANCHOR CHARTS

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Discussion:

How could you use an anchor chart to take students from interactive to independent?

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hippo

water

brown

gray

I see __ _______.

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Discussion:

Which of your students could benefit from this model?

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Journal ideas

perfect small group!

Do them routinely (2-5 times a week)

Always date them (date stamper!)

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Journal ideas

Journals are not:

For handwriting practice

Workbooks filled with assignments

For writing prompts

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What do children need to �become writers?

M Materials

O Opportunities

M Modeling

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Trainer says, “Right, children need materials, opportunities and modeling. They need MOM!!”

“As children

are encouraged to use writing materials (M)
are given many opportunities to connect reading and writing through everyday
experiences (O)
observe and interact with adults modeling writing (M)

they learn to use and produce writing on their own.”

Books about Writing (3-5 minutes)

Say, “You all have one or two books that focus on writing. Books about writing motivate children to want to write. Talk at your table about how you would use this book in the classroom.” (Quick report out—1 or 2 tables share)

Ask, “How can you as a teacher help parents ‘write’ with their children? Let’s look at some take home writing activity bags.”

Home/School Connection Bags (3-5 minutes)

Say, “Look over the materials in your activity bag and talk at your table about how you would use them to encourage parents to write with their children at home.”

(Quick report out—1 idea per table share)

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Roll & Write..and more games

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...and more games

pull letters out of a mystery bag, student makes letter

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At your table, discuss what each sample shows and what you would do next.

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My favorite resources

Pocket of Preschool

Prekinders

Pre-K Pages

M Materials

O Opportunities

M Modeling

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Let me help you!

Pam Desparrois

pamdesparrois@gmail.com