Writing in Kindergarten and the Importance of Student Choice
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Writing in kindergarten is a fun and expressive time for students! Understand the importance of giving students choice in their writing with these writing center ideas.
Writing in Kindergarten
Writing in kindergarten? Absolutely! My kindergarten students would begin writing on day 1. It was time in our daily schedule that we tried to never miss. And if for some reason, we did miss writing block, my students would be highly upset and I would absolutely hear all about it. Writing became one of their favorite times of the day.
I would also incorporate writing during literacy centers; which occurred each day. The writing center is the perfect place for students to express themselves and have choice in writing.
By providing differentiated writing options, I would always see a wide variety of kindergarten writing. I would have students who loved the labeling option and the security it brought with spelling words correctly. The labeling and list making options allow students to become more independent writers because it gives students the freedom to practice a writing process that works for them. With time, and sometimes a little encouragement, students would venture and try other types of writing. In these times, it is important to acknowledge their efforts and the amazing writing they created.
Then, on the other hand, I would have students who would free write and tell amazing stories all the time about anything and everything under the sun!
When students have a choice, they have joy in learning. They are making the decision to learn and practice their skills in a way that fits them. When you give students choice in their writing, you are giving them voice and ownership of their learning.
There is also research that supports the social-emotional benefit of allowing student choice in writing. When students have choice, they come to understand that their voice matters, and they can be comfortable with writing about what is important to them. It is important for students to feel safe to express themselves in their classroom community.
Often times as teachers, we don’t take the time to truly look at the center activities that were completed. It is a time for students to review and practice skills while we provide small-group literacy instruction. BUT, I will say that going and looking at your writing center activities will give you insight to so many things! You can learn SO MUCH about a student’s feelings and thoughts by looking at their writing. Take some time to do this. And of course, you will also find out some things you may need to cover academically.
Kindergarten Writing Center
The writing center I would use each and every day is currently being updated! If you have already purchased this resource, make sure to re-download the file for the newest updates! If you don’t have the writing center for kindergarten, you can find it on my blog here:
The updated resource is also available on Teachers Pay Teachers:
More about Writer's Workshop
Earlier I mentioned our writing block, better known as writers’ workshop. This is definitely a more structured writing environment, but students would still have some choice in their topics. During writing, I would begin with a mini lesson that would hopefully guide my students during the writing block. This is also the time I would have writing conferences with my students. You can read more about writers’s workshop and what that looked like in my classroom, here:
And learn more about my writing curriculum, here:
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Deedee Wills
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!
Hi, I'm DeedeE.
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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