Learning to Express Gratitude Is a Year-Long Theme: We Sing, Sign, Spell, Express and Write “Thank You.”
What Are Nellie Edge Writing-to Read “Heart Words?”
Nellie Edge writing-to-read “heart words” allow kindergartners to write heart-connecting sentences such as “I love you…” early in the year and build circles of writing mastery (I see the…, I have a…, I like my…,) so the brain has the memory space for phonics work—to fearlessly encode sounds to print for new words. Here is […]
No Time for Isolated Handwriting Lessons?
30 Essential Kindergarten Handwriting Lessons Build Stamina and Fluency for Writing Workshop! (Copy this handbook for family distance learning) Why Is Good Handwriting Important? So we can write better and faster So our finger muscles won’t get tired So everyone can read our writing So we can build our reading and writing brain “These lessons […]
How Do Kindergarten Teachers Create a Culture of Writers?
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.
Drawing Instruction Supports Handwriting Development and Writing Proficiency
Glimpses of kindergarten life with retired teacher Laura Flocker from September through May: An Oregon Model of Excellence (last printed in 2020) 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 […]
Teach Your Students to Sign The Pledge of Allegiance ( Plus Free ASL Guide )
Teaching children to sing and sign the Pledge is among the most POWERFUL strategies we share! Take photos of your students signing the words of the Pledge. Children AND parents will love this class book featuring the lives of each classmate.
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. All photos […]
Kindergartners Love to Make Stamp and Read Books
Their discovery? “I can read!” Download FREE Anchor Chart: Have it printed on foam board at your favorite print shop Organize for 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 […]
Do You Want to Dramatically Accelerate Your Kindergartners’ Writing Proficiency?
Fluency with high-frequency “heart word” sentences is your key to success!
15 points of excellence for evaluating your current teaching program
7 Proven Kindergarten Writing Practices and PD
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.
