Toolkit Resources for Writing Instruction

Why it Matters

After writing the Archives post a few days ago, I realized that I haven’t written about toolkits in a while. My toolkit has evolved over the last couple of years, but it’s just as important to me as it’s ever been to have the right resource with or easily accessible to me whenever I sit down next to a writer. That way, my instruction is more efficient and effective.

How it Works

Some of the basic tools I try to always keep include:

• Cardstock– I like a variety of colors. I usually cut 8.5*11 pages into quarters so that I can leave students with an artifact that I create with/for them as we’re conferring.
• Conference Cards– I try to keep these hot pink so that they’re easy for me to spot. I use this template to create them, and it reminds me to always compliment writers. I’ve written this, but it bears repeating… I try to have students tell me in their own words how I should fill out their conference card. I find that students listen to me differently (and better) once they realize they’ll have that responsibility.
• Sticky Notes– There are never enough sizes and colors. I use them to write reminders for students, and I also leave them with students to try out ideas. Sometimes a smaller playing field is exactly what a student needs in order to take some writing risks.
• Pens– I like Sharpies, but I also carry Flair pens and a few other favorites. The gift of a pen goes a long way for getting younger writers to write. It’s worth reading older posts about the value of pens for young writers. I frequently say to writers, “Would you like this pen?” or “How about you choose a color you like.” Then, I follow it up with a quick lesson about how to cross off and keep right on going, as well as a warning that this pen tends to write fast… watch out!
• Individual charts– I’ve taken many of my full-sized charts, and I’ve made them small, then printed them on cardstock. Students love getting their own chart, and for students who have any issue at all with visual processing, there’s great value in having the chart right next to them instead of across the room. Here’s a folder of some of my individual charts that you’re welcome to use. (If you make your own, I’d love to see and add to my collection!)
• Scissors, a hole punch, keyrings, a small stapler, and scotch tape– I can’t tell you how many times I reach for these items. Students love starting their own keyring of “tools” with the cardstock, conference cards, and individual charts.
• Small binder clips– Stacey has inspired me to use small binder clips to create booklets for students instead of stapling the paper. This saves my fingernails, making it much easier to add or swap pages around.
• Mentor texts– I love my mentor text charts, and I print them out on cardstock, tuck them into a mentor text, and have that at my fingertips to teach many different skills and strategies. The only problem is that I frequently leave books behind with students. I’ve accepted this, and if I lose books because students are using them, so be it.
• Paper choices for students- I am a big believer in using paper as a scaffold, and paper with the right number of lines for young writers has the power to make a huge difference in their writing lives. I carry paper with a variety of lines, as well as blank white paper, so that I can create what makes the most sense for a writer right there and then during our conference.
• Writing in progress– I could write a lot about this one, and for a little more about it, please check out this post. I have several texts about many different topics that I’ve set up for students at various stages in the writing process. (Here are some narrative samples.) I keep these with me so that when I run into a writer who is stuck at a specific place in the writing process, I can give them a bridge over that spot so they can get to drafting. I can teach a lot when a student writes, and I find their confidence also grows.

And Also…

In addition to these items that I carry, I also have my computer, and digital tools have become GREAT friends. I have set up several padlets like this one which shows you many of the charts and resources I use for third grade information writers.

Digging Deeper

My recent post gives additional work we’ve shared here at Two Writing Teachers about toolkits.

Additionally, Stacey and I recorded a podcast about toolkits, and it shares lots of ideas and ways to get started.

Final Thoughts

I have included a LOT in this post, (the 3-minute read is misleading because of all the links!) but writing is a complicated process. Please feel free to reach out with questions. I’m always happy to share.