Learning to Express Gratitude Is a Year-Long Theme: We Sing, Sign, Spell, Express and Write “Thank You.”
Weekly Focus: Kindergartners Love to Make Stamp and Read Books
Their discovery? “I can read!” Success with Stamp and Read Books Each of these 16 Wooden Animal Stamps comes with a clear plastic coating, making it easier to keep them clean (made in China). Tip: Consider covering Nellie Edge Wooden Stamps (handmade in the USA) with clear contact paper, going over the word and down the […]
What Is the Best Power Sentence to Build Writing Fluency in Kindergarten?
It’s early October and kindergarten children are learning the joys of writing for real world purposes. Writing and reading fluency with a growing collection of high-frequency “heart word” sentences is our next important learning target.
Guest Blogger, Heather Cacak
Hello! My name is Heather Cacak, and I am honored to be a guest blogger on Nellie’s blog. Today’s blog post will focus on what seems like one simple component of the writing workshop time frame, but it’s really how I manage to get my students writing authentically and independently each day.
How to Simplify Kindergarten Handwriting Instruction
How to Simplify Kindergarten Handwriting Instruction And Build Stamina and Fluency for Writing Workshop! 1) Intentionally develop fine motor skills and teach pencil grip. Differentiate instruction, recognizing the diverse 4-year range of skill development typical in most kindergartens. Use fingerspelling, games, and guided drawing to build finger dexterity, perceptual motor skills, and focus. 2) Involve […]
Drawing Instruction Supports Handwriting Development and Writing Proficiency
Glimpses of kindergarten life with Laura Flocker from September through May: An Oregon Full-Day Kindergarten Model… This is what we know for sure: Provide explicit, systematic instruction in seeing and drawing like an artist. Introduce children to lines and rich vocabulary the first week of school with crayons and markers. Use multisensory ABC and Phonics […]
The Easiest Most Authentic Ways to Build Opinion Writing in Kindergarten
Opinion Writing: W.K.1. Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieces in which they tell a reader the topic or the name of the book they are writing about and state an opinion or preference about the topic or book (e.g., My favorite book is…).
How to Teach Information Writing in Kindergarten: Create Engaged and Purposeful Writers!
Glimpses of Information Writing in Kindergarten. W.K.2. Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts in which they name what they are writing about and supply some information about the topic.
7 Proven Practices for Creating a Powerful Kindergarten Writing Workshop Model
Fingerspelling helps the brain remember letters and sounds: It becomes the memory hook to ABC/Phonics mastery. Fingerspelling will enhance the effectiveness of any ABC/Phonics program.
Freebies and February Themes of Love and Friendship
Our job as teachers is to create a feeling of belonging in the kindergarten classroom all year long so children will love coming to school and thrive.
