Deedra Mann

Writing:

Text:  Units of Study in Opinion, Information and Narrative Writing for Kindergarten.

Grammar Talks - This is where we use a mentor text to introduce your child to quality writing samples. We then ask them to notice, compare & contrast, imitate, share and apply various rules according to what we have been focusing on in reading or writing workshop.

Handwriting:

I will begin with correct pencil grip, correct formation of letters and move quickly into writing. I sent home a sheet outlining the correct letter formation for all uppercase and lowercase letters. Tip..most uppercase letters require one to LIFT their pencil, BUT most lowercase letters and numerals can be made with one continuous stroke. Each child will be at a different level. Even beginning writers can grasp the concept of "Whatever I think, I can write and whatever I write, I can read". I share this with you to help you better understand that reading and writing are processes. The best way to learn to read is to write. We will engage in writing on a daily basis. First, our sentences will be very predictable. My ball. My house. My dog. I will encourage those who are ready to begin "stretching their sounds" to write ball, house and dog. As we learn more sight words, phonetic rules and chunks, I will encourage those who are "ready" to use their knowledge to write sentences with more words. Our writing workshop time uses the Units of Study for writing, which includes lessons on opinion, information and narrative writing. Once again, this is a process and your children will be at all different levels. As a kindergarten teacher I know that writing at the kindergarten level is hard. However, as we learn and practice, writing is often one of our favorite things to do.