accessibility · agency · Amping up Agency Blog Series · emergent writers · high frequency words · independence · kindergarten · writing folder

Tools and Resources That Support Student Agency in the Kindergarten Writing Workshop: Amping Up Agency Blog Series

You've probably heard a young child say, "I can do it all by myself!" in one breath, and then in the next breath they are asking you for help. As children make sense of the world and learn how to do more things for themselves, they crave structure and support from adults. Providing children with a variety of tools and resources and teaching them how and when to use them, supports students in developing a sense of "big kid-ness" and agency over their own writing.

classroom · independent reading projects · independent writing · independent writing projects · management · portfolio · preparation · publishing · writers · writing · writing folder · writing workshop · writing workshop routines

Work Smarter: How To Wrap Up A Unit of Study

This week my colleagues and I are writing posts that we hope will make your life a little easier. We’re sharing some ways to work smarter, not harder.

assessment · writer's notebook · writing folder · writing process

An End of the Year Writing Check

At the end of the school year, we are often faced with pages and pages of student writing. Most of it may have gone home already, but now is a great time to study the work that remains as lovely, informal assessment of our teaching. Following are a few suggestions for lenses we can use to… Continue reading An End of the Year Writing Check

books · guest blogger · mentor texts · primary grades · writing folder

Letting Go As Student Interests Take the Wheel

Kindergarten teacher Valerie Geshwind helps her students find their passions and their voice by honoring their interests, engaging them in a play-like writing workshop, & by supporting them as individuals.