Writing Articles

Nellie Edge Blog

Growing Young Writers with Circles of Mastery

October 4, 2023

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.

Read More
Kindergarten lessons: Teaching “Thank You” and Developing an Attitude of Gratitude

The Simplest Way to Build a Happy Classroom: Teach Gratitude!

September 6, 2023

Learning to Express Gratitude Is a Year-Long Theme: We Sing, Sign, Spell, Express and Write “Thank You.”

Read More
teaching pencil grip

7 Kindergarten Name Writing Tips with Family Practice Book

July 18, 2023

Helping you involve parents with learning Updated July 2023 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 […]

Read More

Where Can I Get the Best Drawing, Writing, and Word Work Resources?

December 19, 2022

Great Drawing, Writing, and Word Work Resources – Where to Get Them.
As referenced on Nellie Edge Kindergarten Writing Seminars; Updated June 2017.

Read More
Teach Your Students to Sign the Pledge of Allegiance: 
Then Make a Class Book!

Enlarge the Print of Favorite Songs, Poems, and Rhymes

October 31, 2022

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.

Read More
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

Read More

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 […]

Read More
Simplify Kindergarten Handwriting Instruction

How to Simplify Kindergarten Handwriting Instruction

August 22, 2021

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 […]

Read More

Follow us on Pinterest

Get our weekly blog for more high-impact strategies and free resources!

Subscribe Now

See Weekly Focus Blog Archive