Let them Write!

There might be a theme running in this week's posts!

Are our youngest children ready to write? Sure they are! Give them the tools and let them try. On the first day of kindergarten read a great story with characters and a plot. Talk about the story and how it might relate to something they have done. Explain that they are going to write a story about something they have done. They will draw pictures and if they want to write words. When they are done they will share their work just like the author who wrote the book they listened to. Give them each a small book that is 2-3 pages of white paper folded and stapled. Show them how it works and set them loose.

If you don't believe me get a book by Katie Wood Ray on the art of teaching writing to our youngest learners. Two favorites are: In Pictures and In Words and About the Authors. About the Authors has a DVD available that is comprised of clips from the classroom where Katie does her research. They are not polished, professional videos but film she took while researching to help with the writing process. As she showed them at talks people wanted them so the publisher put together a DVD. I have gotten to know the children in the DVD as if I was in the class!

If you really want proof that this works and kids are willing to write go to a kindergarten or 1st grade classroom and try it. Read a book like A Pocket for Corduroy and let them talk about how the character is feeling. At the end let the children talk for a moment about a special toy they have and how they'd feel if something happened and it was lost. Then explain that they are going to get a book so they can write a story about something they care about that shows how they feel. It doesn't have to be this prescriptive but it may help if they are new to writing their own stories. Make sure they have pencils, colored pencils, and other tools they may need for writing. Remind them that they will get to share their stories at the end of the writing time. Give them time and circulate to check in during the writing time.

You will find they don't need a prompt or a template for getting their ideas on paper. A kindergarten child with very little experience may just draw a picture of the toy and maybe himself. Allow him to share his story by encouraging him to tell the story from his picture(s). He will realize that there is a story and the details can be relayed. With practice he will begin to increase his stamina and details as he realizes his work is valued and is like what is being read each day to the class.

I've seen this work! I know the children have much more than we give them credit for. With the tools, the time, and the encouragement they will become writers. As you circulate and conference you will be guiding them toward all the necessary parts of writing like: spacing, letters, words that match pictures, etc. Always include time to share their work and keep the work in their reading bins or a special library in the classroom so it is public.

Let them read and let them write and they will grow in both areas. Act as a supporter and guide as they learn the basics of reading and writing.