Handwriting Articles

Nellie Edge Blog

heart words in kindergarten teacher resources

10 Reasons to Teach Fingerspelling in Kindergarten

October 6, 2022

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.

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7 Best Tips to Grow Young Writers

September 7, 2022

Parents: Where Do You Think Your Child Is Right Now as a Writer? 1. Share kindergarten writing samples and rubrics with parents: Where do you think your child is as a writer right now? Help parents notice and appreciate how their child will grow as a writer in kindergarten. (See September 23, 2020 blog for […]

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teaching pencil grip

7 Kindergarten Name Writing Tips with Family Practice Book

August 22, 2022

Helping you involve parents with learning I am remembering again how challenging and important it is to teach good name writing from the first days of school. Why not ask “parents to be partners” at spring registration? Our FREE resources may help you! Kindergarten-age students, in classrooms or at home, represent a 4-year developmental span […]

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back to school in kindergarten classroom

How to Have the Best Kindergarten Back-to-School Night Ever: Family Scavenger Hunt Step-by-Step

August 1, 2022

Families’ first visit to kindergarten is organized, purposeful, and inviting “Sunflower Children” and warm-hearted Katie Nelson welcome each family as they arrive. The environment is carefully prepared to introduce literacy routines and involve Parents as Partners. Children sign in on their first “Name Ticket” with guided help from Mom or Dad. They put their finished […]

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e Nellie Edge Writing-to Read “Heart Words

What Are Nellie Edge Writing-to Read “Heart Words?”

July 25, 2022

Two things young writers know for sure: 1) If I practice writing “heart word” sentences every day, my writing is going to get really good! 2) If I practice phonetic spelling, I will be able to fearlessly tackle any unknown word!

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30 Essential Handwriting Lessons

No Time for Isolated Handwriting Lessons?

July 20, 2022

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 […]

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Independent Writing Center Totes

10 Steps for Success: Independent Writing Center Totes Provide Authentic Writing Experiences All Year Long!

March 16, 2022

Settling-In Time Sets the Emotional Tone for the Day: Developing Friendship, Responsibility, Self-Motivation, and Collaboration Skills

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Drawing Instruction Supports Handwriting Development and Writing Proficiency

January 10, 2022

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 […]

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