Learning how to write is such a complex task! Students have to focus on letter formation, sound recognition, and spacing. Honestly, there is a lot to remember, and it can all feel overwhelming. So, it is crucial to make writing fun. Students need to view it as something they enjoy if we want them to grow into lifelong writers. Thankfully, the We Love Lists Writing Workshop is the perfect way to do this! Students will love writing and illustrating lists based on some of their favorite items.
We Love Lists Writing Workshop
These lists ensure writing is engaging for all students! There are tons of options to help students build their skills throughout the year. Options include their favorite colors, friends, animals, and ABC words. Students will love learning to write words that are so meaningful to them!
How to Create “We Love Lists!” Writing Totes
When creating “We Love Lists!” writing totes, there are a few helpful steps to maintain organization.
- Organizational Bins: Find cleaning bins that have different sections. These will help organize supplies, such as pencils, crayons, and paper. All different stores, such as Target, have options.
- Print and Organize: Organize printables, exemplars, and writing models. Be sure to place these in an order that makes sense for you.
- “We Love Lists” Label: Download the label and print it in color. This adds a special touch to your centers. Also, laminate it for durability and tape it onto the writing tote.
- Personalization: Create a photo/name page for “My Friends” list writing. Personally, I love to use our class list for this. For the remaining lists, use the writing models provided or create your own from the internet or catalogs. Print and laminate multiple copies of the labeled object pages. Honestly, these will last for years!
- Supplies: Gather non-toxic, fine-tip black pens and colored markers, colored pencils, or twistable crayons. Some teachers ask children to draw the object in black, write the word, and then fill it in with colors.
- Turn-In Procedure: Make sure to establish where the “finished” basket will be. Personally, I love to have students write the date or use the date stamp. This helps us reflect on the writing growth throughout the year.
Creating the First List
There is a lot of pressure when creating the first list! If students do not enjoy it the first time, they may not want to try it again. So, it is helpful to begin with a fun and exciting list for students. Personally, I love to use a “My First ABC Words” list using the Family ABC Phonics Chart. You can even download this FREEBIE. This list provides plenty of options and helps students build confidence in their writing abilities.
Showcasing Hard Work
I love to showcase the hard work of my students! So, we share our lists and hang them up for everyone to see!
Holding onto Models
It is so helpful to show exemplars when setting up a new project. So, I love to save a few new ones each year. I even make color copies to share with future classes. Students are always amazed to see the hard work of other students.
Writing is a skill students will use throughout their entire lives. This means it is crucial that students work hard at building a strong foundation. Thankfully, the We Love Lists Writing Workshop will help ensure this happens! Students will love blossoming into writers as they list everything they love.
