I am often asked how I organize my student writing folders for writer’s workshop. Then the other day I was cleaning out a “special drawer” that I had (AKA: junk drawer, catch-all, blackhole) when I found an old writing folder I used with my 2nd-grade students. I’d forgotten all about them. So I decided to whip up a cleaned-up version and offer them to you all!
Here are your Writing Folder Freebies and labels for your early primary writers’ workshop students. This blog post will give you ideas on how to create writing folders for your classroom. Great for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade, but honestly, they would work well regardless of your grade level.
I made these folders at the beginning of the year for each student. They actually managed to stay in one piece and were still functional at the end of the year.
Each folder contains 2 pocket folders. I used two different colors for my sample so you can see them a bit better.
Does this picture show it better? Ariel view = advanced photography skills (LOL).
This is the spiral binder (affiliate link) that I used: TruBind TB-S20 Spiral Coil Binding Machine (TB-S20). I am not ashamed to admit that I use this machine for all. the. things.
For these coils that I used: TruBind 16mm coils
Each folder had to be punched one at a time, but it did not take long.
Easy, breezy, mac and cheesy!
Then I just added the labels! Simple!
Inside the k-2 writing folder, little writers can place their writing tools and word lists. These examples are from our second grade writing unit.
You may want to include other tools in your students’ writing folders such as:
Early in the year, we have a mini lesson on where to place our work. These pockets are a great place to put our writing pieces.
Yes, there is a simple version you can make that is a student helper folder. Here is a peek at the writing helper folder I used. Each kindergarten student got one. It included an editing checklist.
You simple re-fold manila file folders. In this example we used a yellow folder because bright colors are my favorite!
NOTE: This is just a simple tabbed folder that is folded differently to make a tri-fold folder. In the middle of the folder, there was a place for students to add their own sight words to their personal word wall.
On the back, you can see other folder tools. There was an alphabet chart that supported students during their independent writing time. There is also a place for young writers to check where they are in the writing process. It is a checklist they can use when they think they might be done
We have loved working with teachers to improve their practices with writers workshop. Our writing units have been in teacher’s classrooms all over the world for the last 10 years and we could not be more proud to the feedback we have been given
Since I LOVE talking about writing, I have a few (dozen) blog posts about writing.
Deanna Jump and I have created simple, yet powerful daily lesson plans to teach writers workshop. We have taken the guesswork out of your instruction.
Each unit is carefully planned out.
And it walks you through each day’s lesson.
You can shop our writing curriculum below:
NOTE: Some of the images that are shown above are part of our Writing Through the Years units and are not included in this free download. To receive the labels and the simplified version of the writing folders, simply add your name and email to the box below.
My teaching career allowed me to experience teaching in different classroom environments and grades. My heart belongs to early childhood education. My job is to make teaching FUN, ENGAGING, and EASIER. Welcome!
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36 Responses
I love the writing folder organization file, but was unable to add my email to receive it 🙁
It might be in your spam folder in your inbox. If you can’t find it, please email me and I’ll hook you up!
deedee@mrswillskindergarten.com
Hi Deedee! I am looking for the some I can statements. I own your bundle of Math and Literacy Centers. I love the I can statements for each center. I was thinking you published a large bundle of just I can statements last year sometime. I was looking for them on TPT, but I can not locate them. Just wondering if I was dreaming? or there is actually a I can statement bundle. Thanks for all your help. I love all of your ideas and units!
First of all… THANK YOU!!! I have a literacy bundle, but not a math bundle. SOME. DAY! ha Here is a link to the Literacy set:
!
Can you use any Binding machine with the coil binders? Or is the one you suggested needed? I have never used the coil bindings before.
I don’t think so. I think you have to have the coils that go with that type of machine.
Hi Deedee,
I’m so excited about these writing folders! Can you please send me the link to the free stickers? I’ve made the folders and would love to finish them off with the great stickers!
What a great idea!!
Thanks!
Hi Jackie! The labels are included in the zipped file at that end of this blog post. 🙂
Hi Deedee,
I love your work. My students adore all the activities and strategies you have planned. I looked thru my writing units and did not find the “simple version for the student helper folder.” Is it sold separately?
Thank you! Did you download the free file? I think you can find it in there.
I love everything you send out!! Your site has been the most helpful and I tell my team to follow you as well. Thanks!!!
Thank you so much!!!!
Wow! you really inspire me. I am a newbie in writing. This definitely helps me a lot.
I would love to have the binder labels shown in the picture above for each unit. Is that available? Our K-2 classes have purchased the Writer’s Workshop to begin next year, and we are so excited!
YES! You can get them in the big curriculum guide on the sidebar of my blog. It is free 🙂
I found the download from Deanna Jump but it is only showing the labels for K-1 units. Is there a label download for the 2nd grade units?
I was showing my co-worker your Writing Helper Folder and we absolutely love the idea. We were wondering if you had blank templates that we could edit for Spanish?
I’m sorry! I don’t 🙁
I truly love this idea and plan to incorporate it next year! I am working on making writing folders now. I have download the free file, but the labels are all messed up. Is there another way I could get the free labels?
Kimberly, If you are still having problems, will you email me with a screenshot of what you are seeing on your end? Then I can try to help you. deedee@mrswillskindergarten.com
These look really amazing. I have been jotting down notes to create a writing folder very similar. My question is where are these kept? Are they kept at the writing center or in their desk?
We kept them in our desks 🙂
I didn’t find the “My Finished Story Checklist” that is pictured in the tools pocket on the picture above. Is it in one of the writing units and I am just missing it or somewhere in the free file? Thank you for all of your resources and the support you add to help us make your resources more valuable.
Hi there!
You will want to unzip the file and you will see it on page 5. 🙂
Dee Dee I can not seem to print the labels for the writing workshop folders…It is off to the side and not centered…something about using wordpad? Everything else I could get? HELP please! I love these and all I need now is the labels! Thanks soooo much!
Oh gosh, I don’t know anything about WordPad. These were formatted to be used in Microsoft Word. 🙁
Can you let me know what font you used?
Hi there!
I used a lot of different fonts. Help! For the student word wall, I used KG Fonts on TpT. I had to pay a commercial license, but teachers can use them for free:
Is the “student writing folder” resources available on tpT?
You’ll just enter your email in the box at the bottom of the blog post and it will be sent to you email inbox. 🙂
Hi I would love info/files on the writing folder. Also, can you send a link of what kind of folders that you used? I assume plastic but wanted to check.
Thanks!
sabrina.graham@rcsd.ms
They are actually a coated cardstock. I got them at Target. 🙂
HI! I signed up for the email to get the labels but I have not received an email. Is there a way you can email it to me?
Hi, Jillian!
Will you please look in your spam folder? If you don’t see it, you can email me and I will hook you up!
deedee@mrswillskindergarten.com
Hi Deedee!
I signed up for the email, I confirmed it and the next email I received was a Drive folder for “centers” but I didn’t find the writing folder labels. 🙁
Is there a way you can email it to me?
Thanks!
Hi Laura!
Yes, I will email you.