Key Ideas

• There are recognized developmental stages in learning to write in English (scribbling, random sounds, etc.)
• All children's attempts at writing need to be celebrated
• Phonics and spelling strategies are useful tools in development writing - they must be in context
• Children need opportunities to learn and practice correct letter formation in fun and engaging ways
• Writing needs to have a purpose and audience in order for it to be meaningful for young children, (letters, e-mail, etc.)
• Young children's drawing, labelling and writing are related

Beginning (ADULTS ONLY) What's New? Observations/insights from previous session

• Parents discuss writing inventory
• Examining children's writing (samples)
• Stages of development
• Model interactive writing process with parents. Highlight the amount of teaching that happens through this process.

Middle

Writing centers in classroom - some suggestions

• shaving cream - children write their names, words from the word wall, etc.
• survey - parents and children use clipboards to go around and survey e.g., Do you like snakes Yes/No
• find motor booklet - a practice activity to reinforce directionality
• scribe a story - parents scribe for their children
• magazine picture - use the picture as a stimulus for a story. Parent to record.
• Rosie's walk puppets - make a puppet to accompany take home book.

End

• Debrief What Did You Notice?
• Questions/Answers, Looking Ahead

Materials for Session

• Writing in Kindergarten process
• Spelling development sheet

Take Home Materials

• Felt pens
• Special pencil
• Scrapbook with special cover