Developing Young Authors in TK:Nurturing the Whole Child Through Integrated

Approaches to Writing

Elizabeth MagruderBarbara Blakley

December 11, 2012Preschool California – TK Monthly Webinar

Agenda • Welcome

• Transitional Kindergarten Presentation - “Developing Young Authors in TK: Nurturing the Whole Child Through Integrated Approaches to Writing” – Elizabeth Magruder, Early Childhood Education Consultant and Barbara Blakley, Early Childhood Education Consultant and former TK Teacher

• Q&A- Please email all questions to Araceli Sandoval-Gonzalez: asandoval@preschoolcalifornia.org

• Next Call : January 15, 3:30-4:30pm

Please email all questions to : asandoval@preschoolcalifornia.org

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“Children take their very first critical steps toward learning to read and write very early in life.”NAEYC and IRA

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As children experiment with language, they begin to associate sound sequences with words and eventually build auditory and visual symbol systems.Please email all questions to :

asandoval@preschoolcalifornia.org 4

Children are masters of reading even before they know “how” to read. In addition, children are aware of print and that it coveys a message.

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How Do We Nurture Young Writers?

Because children come to school with a diverse range of language experiences,

teachers must utilize a variety of approaches and strategies to support and

build on what children know.

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Let’s Look at What We Know…

Social Emotional

PhysicalCognitive

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When I write, this is what is happening…

Self imageSelf regulation

Building relationshipsMaking connections

BalanceBody strength

FlexibilitySpace

ProcessingWonderingAnalyzing

Responding

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Where do we begin?...Our Philosophy

Reading and Writing - Never the two shall part

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Please email all questions to : asandoval@preschoolcalifornia.org

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interests

weather

favorites

experiencescelebrations

helpers

family

pets

What things do children love to write about?

The same things they love to talk about! 11

Strategies…• Think Out Loud…

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Strategies…

• Modeled Writing…

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Strategies…

• Interactive or Shared Writing…

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Opportunities to PracticeJournal Writing…• Let ideas and thoughts flow• Honor any and all attempts• Ask questions that engage• Pull out the smelly pens!

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Opportunities to PracticeCenter-based Writing

Provides engaging ways to get the writing going!

Recipes

Restaurant orders

Creating a menu

Writing up the bill

Pick up & delivery orders

Opportunities to Practice

Post Office…LettersEnvelopesStampsPencilsPensMarkersCash registerPostal scales

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Opportunities to Practice

Record data

Science Log

Document Observations

Opportunities to Practice

Writing Centers

Office Space

Stations

Space &Location:Provide places to craft

the work

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Opportunities to Practice

Provide tools todevelop writing skills

Support the physical aspects of the process

DoughRolling pins

Squeeze ballsStampsScissors

Yarn / bendy sticksTweezers

Making the Connection…

When children recognize that by writing they can make real things

happen, they feel the power of their words!

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The Power of Their Words…

• Making rules• Labeling the Room• Showcasing my name• Making a birthday list• Giving Directions• Creating a “to do” list• Signs and Warnings

My writing has a purpose!22

The Author’s Chair

I have a voice.I am valued.

I feel safe to share.I am a reader and

an author!Please email all questions to : asandoval@preschoolcalifornia.org

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Analyzing Work SamplesUse the Language & Literacy Domain and OTHER strands to analyze student writing…• Where on the continuum is the work reflected?• What instructional goals would you create for this

student?• Would other students benefit from this goal?• What instructional delivery system(s) will support

this/these students best?• How would you follow up?

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Tips for Parents!

• Talk with children, engage in conversations!• Read and reread stories with predictable text

in home language and English• Encourage children to retell experiences and

describe events that are important to them• Provide opportunities for children to draw and

print using a variety of tools• Involve them in list making (groceries, to do)• Praise any and all attempts at writing!!!!!!

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Keys to Consider… Get excited!

MODEL! MODEL! MODEL SOME MORE!

Write throughout the day – for different reasons!

Provide space, materials, opportunities

Don’t stress rules: nurture the process Please email all questions to : asandoval@preschoolcalifornia.org 28

Remember…The next time someone wonders why children are…• Pounding dough• Squeezing a ball • Painting on a easel• Using tweezers • Filling an entire page with squiggles of color• Using every marker available• Stamping letter “B” over and over again• Drawing, drawing, drawing, and drawingTell them this…

“I am developing young authors!”Please email all questions to :

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“Teach the writer, not the writing.” Lucy Calkins

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” Maya AngelouAs a writer, words are your paint. Use all the colors.” Rhys Alexander

“Writers don’t need to be given formulas; they need to be shown possibilities.” Barry Lane Please email all questions to :

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