Writing in Kindergarten!

Scroll to bottom of post for the FREEBIE journal writing paper.

I am in the process of trying to incorporate more creative writing into my regular classroom routine. It is a challenge considering we don't have "writing" built into our regular instructional day. But, I'm squeezing it in when I can along with teacher modeling and "author" shares almost everyday. I'm excited to see how all my kids (especially my EL) have progressed through the year in all areas, and it is very exciting to see them get their ideas down on paper. I'll be adding resources of what I'm am doing and using to get my kids writing. The BIGGEST factor that gets their idea wheels turning is when I have a chance to model what writing looks like and when they get to share their writing with their peers.

"Rate your writing" anchor chart for kids to refer to in order to see what "the best" writing looks like. And, they can compare their writing to this anchor chart to see how they rate themselves.

"My story has..." Anchor chart that I created so students would have an idea of the basic things a good story has....characters, setting, actions, and feelings. Another strategic I'm using to get my darlings to write more than, "I see a cat."

I have a "story starters" anchor chart posted to help the kids get started. For my kinders, just the first three choices is PLENTY for beginning writers.

I am trying to get my kids to write more than just "I see a cat." So, I found this neat "I can write more" chart via Pinterest and teacher blogger. It may be a little complex for kindergarten. I am working a simplified version of this. This chart came from http://thisreadingmama.com/getting-kids-write-more/

This is my writing goals chart. I scored this great idea from Deedee Wills and her "writer's workshop" pack. I love how it gives kids a specific goal to work towards in their writing. And, as you can see, we are all on different levels. Great for differentiation! Student names have been covered for privacy.

This is a great rubric that has been around for ages. I like to refer to it to see where my students are in their writing progression. Follow this link to open a copy for yourself https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/pub?id=1zxVwTzo3ib9np9JVDsvckQdXQDyeaQ7YcK0udhaEKDM

Love the developmental writing scales from Deedee Wills. Here is a link to grab these freebies from her blog. http://mrswillskindergarten.com/kindergarten-writing-scoring-guides/


Our class has really been working hard with adding "more" to our writing. Here are a few work samples from my students.

"I am ---. I have a cat. My cat is little. My cat is silly. I like my cat. My cat is orange. My cat has pretty eyes. I like my cat because he plays with me. I am happy."

"One time my mom cooked for me and I liked it because it was good"

"One day my dog and me play outside. We are happy"

"I saw a candy because the candy is delicious. I am happy"

"I am going to Hawaii to play in the water. My mommy and my daddy, me---- and my brothers. We will have fun. We feel like it is so much fun.

"I like Rapunzel because it is pretty. She is in her tower. She is sad because [she is] lonely"

For this particular student, she was stuck at the first sentence. Then, I asked her "where is she?" and "how does she feel?" Once the student answered the questions....I told her to write it down. And, this is what she came up with. I've learned that sometimes you just need to ask the student questions about their "work" to get their writing juices flowing.

We are starting "opinion" writing soon, and I'll post samples once I have some to post. Until then, happy writing.

FREEBIE journal writing paper from my TPT store. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Primary-Journal-Writing-Paper-3040275