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What We Do and Why
The goal of the
elementary writing program is to provide all children with opportunities to
become skillful writers. The writing program consists of a three-pronged
approach: The writing process; traits
of quality writing; and forms and features of text. (From the elementary literacy support
guide)
What we know is
that we can start writing even at the beginning of kindergarten. We do not
wait until children know all their letters and sounds. We don’t wait until
the children are readers. As soon as children draw or put a symbol on paper and
can tell us what it says they are writers.
Activities to Facilitate Writing
 Small Motor Ideas
To be able to write smoothly students need to
develop the muscles in their hands. This can be done in many ways. Here are
just a few ideas that you are probably already doing.
ü
Put
together puzzles
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Play with
Legos or other small put together/ take apart toys
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Create with
playdough
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Cut paper
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Coloring
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Finger paint
with paint, pudding or shaving cream
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 Tools For Writing
There
are many tools out that help to motivate children to write. Here are just a
few tool ideas with a quick example showing how you might use the tool.
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Colored pencils – These could be used to practice
writing names or words. Children could practice writing their name 5 times by
using a different color of pencil each time.
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Booklets –Children love books. Stapling paper
together can make simple books for children to write and draw in. Making the
books in different shapes or with colored cover is also fun.
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Markers – Markers are easier to use than other
writing tools and can be used to motivate students to color a little more.
(Their fingers don’t quite so tired)
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Stencils or items to trace – Students can use
these to draw pictures for telling stories or making pictures/ letters.
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Notecards – These are great to use as homemade
flash cards. They can also be used for students to write labels for places or
items in your house. (ie. Labeling windows, doors, My room, etc.)
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Stickers – Picture stickers can be used to add
to a picture and can be used as a catalyst for a story. Or as the characters
of a story. Plain labeling stickers can be written on and then used as a
label for a drawing, name tag, labeling toys with name etc.
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Computer – This is a great tool. Your children
can write and draw in a paint program. They could practice their name using
word art. They could dictate (tell) a story to an adult who types the story
then gives it to the child to illustrate.
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