Now for the 8 Steps to Success
1. Include names and photos of kindergarten friends in the writing tote: use larger photos and print names for younger learners
3. Model how to write a message and draw a picture. Consider sending each child a simple message: “I like you.” To ____, From _____. How fun to give the children envelopes with their name on it!
4. Make an “I Chart” and teach independence. Once children experience how good it feels to receive a message, they will be eager to make cards and letters for their family and friends all year long! At first, an adult will need to guide children through the expected Independent Writing Center behaviors: Make and “I” Chart.
6. Teach children to fancy-up their messages: See ideas from 30 Essential Handwriting Lessons. (A Nellie Edge TPT Resource)
8. Renew interest in this center by changing the color or shape of the paper and adding new pens. Invite children to write a new kind of message: Valentine’ s Day messages, Mother’s Day cards, Thank you messages, and miniature messages. Learn more: See Preview of Write-a-Message Kit on
TPT. (119 pages of Writing Support)
Build Writing Independence:
Create a Write-a-Message Center in Your Classroom!
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