A simple "heart word" sentence model supports kindergartners in writing their own little book: 'I see the...'
Kindergartners love to draw animals and write their own little books. Meaningful word work activities involve making books using guided animal drawing pages, sentence writing models, pens, and writing materials stored in an Independent Writing Center Tote. In this lesson, students learn to draw a dog. They practice writing “My book,” “by,” “the end” and a sentence (I see the dog.) about their animal. As children build their writing stamina, additional pages may be added to the “Rubber Band Books.” This Is the Beginning of Bookmaking. By the end of the year each child will write, edit, illustrate and publish an 8-page board book, building confidence and a love of writing!
Students Enjoy Writing When We Give Them Scaffolding to Build on Success
The experience of sitting in the Author’s Chair and proudly sharing his work helps this young author see himself as an author and illustrator who does quality work.
The Final Piece of the Writing Process Is Sharing Your Writing and Receiving Feedback
While Zeke is reading his book, the children listen attentively. After he shares his last page with “the end,” his teacher, Mrs. Corliss, provides feedback to the whole class:
•Notice he wrote “My Book,” and “by Zeke,” and he left spaces between words.
•Zeke decided to draw a picture of himself on his book cover.
•He wrote “the end” and fancied up the page by drawing—rocks!
•Thank you for sharing your book. We can tell you like to do quality work.
•Who has a compliment or question for Zeke?
•Okay, you can give Zeke applause for his book now.
What a Sense of Pride and Awe: Your words and pictures tell a story.
All smiles, Zeke then turns to teacher and says, “And I’m an author now!”
Authentic word work grows kindergarten writers. Children build fluency for writing workshop by repeatedly writing high-frequency “heart word” sentences (I see the…, I like my…, I can see a…).
- Learn more about authentic kindergarten writing: See photo essays on Nellie Edge.com
- Study preview: How to Draw Animals & Make Books at Nellie Edge Kindergarten on TPT
- Follow Nellie Edge on YouTube for engaging literacy lessons
