How do you make writing more than just narrative?

I never met a kindergartener that didn't want to tell you about themselves. Ask them what they like and they are out of the gate with a whole list. But when it comes to writing we need them to write more than just  "I like my family, my mom is a good cook". Of course there will always be a place for narrative writing but if your district uses the common core they will not be meeting the standards if they only write narratives. We need to move on to opinion and informational writing  right from the start. Not to mention the first grade teachers will love you if your kids have more practice with this type of writing.
                                             

So how do we get them to show higher level writing in kindergarten?  It's all in the prompt. If we take some time and really look at what we are asking we can see if we change a few words we'll push them to think a little more and not just remember. Our goal is not for them to tell us what they remember, but to tell us what they know/think.  Keep that in the back of your mind when writing prompts. Ask yourself "does this prompt ask them to really think?" If not change it.

Let's take one of my favorite books Big Al and Shrimpy. I love reading this book at the beginning of the year.  A great book about friendship and about community, both awesome topics for the beginning of the year. You can check it out here
                                                                            

The story is about 2  fish friends that just don't quite fit in with the other fish. They go off on their own and they find themselves in trouble. So Shrimpy realizes he needs help solving a problem. He organizes everyone to help his friend Big Al. They all live happily ever after.   In the past I asked the kids to describe their favorite part of the story. A fine, narrative prompt. But honestly we should expect more, and they can do more.  So we change the prompt just a little and ask. How did Shrimpy solve Big Al's problem? Now suddenly, they need to know what happened but they also need to know what events led to solving the problem.  Now our writing prompt is a text dependent question.  They may only be 5 but we are now moving them up good ole Blooms Taxonomy. And isn't that our goal?

We'll be talking a lot more about writing prompts that push the kids thinking but for now, if you would like a free copy of my Big Al and Shrimpy listening center and writing prompt click Big Al and Shrimpy writing prompt

How do I start reading groups in Kindergarten??

Whether your new to kindergarten this year, or you're a veteran. The question remains, where do you begin reading groups when the kids can't read??  Kindergarten reading groups often don’t involve any “reading” in the way parents typically think. They may not actually read “I see the fat cat.” until the end of the year. But don’t be fooled, the ground work that is laid in the first half of kindergarten is crucial to being a successful reader.
            
  But where do we start? The answer is simple...letter naming.  I don't just mean they can memorize the letters. That's just not enough. Kindergarten students need to identify the letters out of order, in both upper and lower case and in different fonts. A child’s ability to quickly name letters is an indicator of whether they will be a successful reader or one that struggles. Don’t race through this critical step!!! 

This is where we start. The very first step in learning to read is knowing how to recognize the characteristics that make a letter different from other letters. Our youngest learners need experience noticing these small differences. Don’t skip over this step or rush through it, if you do you children will struggle later on. Are you starting to notice a trend? Don't rush, kids need to truly see all the features of a letter. Children must be able to make the distinctions in letters before they begin to match sounds to letters. It’s worth spending a little extra time on this crucial step. Our goal is for the children to have experience with letters. To really notice the differences. To hold letters in their hands, to draw letters in sand, to make letters out of play doh. Does this letter have a long stick? h or a short stick? n. Is there a circle? a or no circle? t Do they realize a letter is the same regardless of the font? Do they notice that g  is the same letter regardless of the font? These are all very important abilities when learning about letters. Children need experience seeing letters in different fonts, sorting letters by their characteristics, and matching upper to lowercase letters. They not only need to know the name of each letter, but each unique shape. 

 Whether you agree with the common core or not, for many of us, it will dictate what our administrators expect to see in our classes. Under the category of Print Concepts we find the goals for letter knowledge. 
 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1.D Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet. 
 I agree we need students to name all the letters of the alphabet, but I think this simple goal glosses over such an important skill. It’s not enough to just name the letters. Simple drill with flashcards can get kids to memorize the names. We need to go deeper. We need kids to really see the characteristics of letters, to understand they look different in different fonts. We need them to have experience in hands on centers. 

 What about NAEYC??? For anyone who works in early childhood education you already now that NAEYC is the gold standard for everything kindergarten. So what do they say about learning to read and letter knowledge? How does this align with building your NAEYC portfolio?
 2.E.03 Children have opportunities to become familiar with print. They are actively involved in making sense of print. They have opportunities to become familiar with, recognize, and use print that is accessible throughout the classroom: 
 2.E.07 Children are given opportunities to recognize letters. 

 It should be our goal to be intentional when we teach. If we know why we are doing what we are doing and the children know what they are doing our goals can be met faster and more accurately. I use student objective sheets for my letter activities. I just copy, laminate and place these in plastic frames as a table top reminder to the children.

 So many people who do not teach kindergarten think we “just play all day”. I can honestly say my students work hard, and frankly so do I. We have goals and objectives just like everyone else. These sheets help other staff and administrators understand we teach with intention. My principal loves to see these table top objective sheets when she visits. It helps her understand my goal.

For a complete resource of how to teach letter knowledge to kindergarteners, check out my comprehensive Letter Knowledge packet

4 tips to actually having reading groups the first week of kindergarten

 There will be those who tell you don't have reading groups before Halloween unless you have an assistant, 4 parent volunteers, and a death wish. Not true. There will be those who tell you, you won't smile until Christmas. Not true. I honestly believe the longer you put off starting groups the harder it will be. So rollup your sleeves and let's figure this out.  

                                            
 So last week we talked about my biggest secret to successful reading groups in kindergarten if you missed it, check it out here. The kids are at fun centers; blocks, water table, dramatic play. You've  just called 4  kids to the table for our very first "reading group". But as soon as the 4 little sweeties sit down. There is a problem at the water table. Billy stole Emily's teapot. Jason knocked down Sarah's castle. Caitlyn needs to go to the bathroom. Yikes, you can't even begin with the 4 in front of you because the class is falling apart. You abandon the group and just try to "police" the larger group.  You go home and say to your family I'll never be able to teach them to read, because I have no time to actually teach them to read. 

Don't give up. Not all of us are lucky enough to have an assistant or 4 parent volunteers. You're just going to have to figure out how to give your attention to the 4 in front of you while the 18 others are working quietly and independently. Cue eye roll.  I know what your thinking,  "working quietly and independently???  Have you ever even been into a kindergarten class the first week of school? Not only will they run amok they will actually run!!! Your perfectly planned reading group is a disaster because you can't be at it. 

Something has to change. It all goes back to that little secret from last week structure and routine. Trust me those two little beauties will be your best friends.  I have found a couple easy strategies that actually work. But it takes proper planning you know the saying "proper planning prevent piss poor performance". It's true. You need to get out in front of your little darlings.  

These are my tricks. 
#1 The problem solver. The problem solver is a lifesaver. Check out my post about the problem solver here and click here  to get a free download of the cards. What's a problem solver? Glad you asked, it's a student that solves all those pesky problems. Billy knocked down Sarah's building go talk to the problem solver; Jason broke Amy's crayon talk to the problem solver. Honestly there are a 100 little dramas that happen before lunch and if you don't delegate you'll never have peace. Give the kids the tools they need to solve their problems then let them do it!

#2 Go on Vacation.  No I don't mean leave all those little darlings. You just came back from 2 months off. I mean tell the kids when your on vacation they can't bother you. Then give them a way to know you are off limits. I wear a lei, or I put a pair of sunglasses on my head, my neighbor wears Mickey Mouse ears. You could even open a beach umbrella. Just let them know with a visual cue that you are off limits. They must go see the problem solver to fix any issues. Start slow go on Vacation for 3 minutes. Praise them big time for not interrupting. Then increase the time, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 7 minutes. You get the picture. Be firm - no one I mean no one approaches you while you're on vacation. 

Side note.....Once the principal came in to ask me something and one child yelled out "You can't talk to her know she's on vacation." That required a slight explanation. This vacation time is when you can have small groups without interruption. 

#3 Don't have groups during active center time if you are the only adult in the room. Seriously read that again. Don't! Don't open the block area, water table, and easel when your trying to have groups. That's just crazy.  Have the kids at their tables writing, coloring, reading, listening to books on tape, choose any activity that can be done quietly. I mean it, read that again!!! I love to use this time for interactive notebooks. All that coloring, cutting, folding oh my. Check here to read my  post about why I love interactive notebooks.  

#4 The Special Crayons.  I have 5 tables in my class, and I have 5 containers of Special Crayons. They are only special because I call them special, and I put them in a cute container with a colorful trophy on it. Sometimes they are twisty crayons sometimes they are skinny crayons, sometimes, they are not crayons at all but colored pencils. It doesn't really matter. What matters is the kids know they are special and will do anything to get them.  If a table is quiet they earn the Special Crayons. I don't say a word. I go to the Special Crayon shelf pick up a container and slowly walk to the table that is working hard and quietly. You'll be amazed at the lull that comes over the room as the anticipation grows. Which table has earned the honor? I ceremoniously put the crayons down in the middle and say "Great job working quietly you have earned the Special Crayons." It works; the other tables will be dying to get something special they will quiet down immediately. The most wonderful thing about the Special Crayons is the kids earn it as a group. So they encourage each other to be quiet. You can access my special crayons herehere     

Bonus: All those other great ideas. My school uses a universal behavior system with colors and clothespins. We also use class Dojo it works great. Make your class filled with "Bucket Fillers". There are literally 100s of behavior management ideas out there. You should use any and all. 

I hope your biggest take away is this, you can have successful reading groups the first weeks of kindergarten but spend less time on the actual lesson the (reading part) and more time on the being in a group part. I often just sit with the kids and chat during the first week. The reading groups the first week is really setting the routines, explaining the expectations, spending time in a group. Without that, the reading part wont be easy and you just might not smile until Christmas. 

Oh, one last thought, make sure you take the Mickey Mouse ears off before you go to the teachers room or you'll look a little loopy.

What's The Secret To Sucessful Reading Groups In Kindergarten?

                                        

They say that teaching kindergarten is a lot like herding cats. It is! But it doesn't have to be. Getting behavioral control of a class is the first step to a successful year.  

Who doesn't love a new beginning. One of the best things about teaching is the clean slate every fall. Sharpened pencils, crayons that have never been used. Caps on EVERY glue stick. It's also a time to look at what has worked and what hasn't. 

The first few weeks are when I spend that extra time estabishing routines. The routines that will make my life and the kids' learning so much easier. I honestly think the most important part of a guided reading group has nothing to do with reading. It has everyting to do with structure and routine.                              
               

The best teachers can get their class to run like a well oiled machine. It all starts on the first day. Lots of people will tell you don't even think about reading groups until after Halloween. I have to disagree. I believe a successful reading program starts day one.  Here's the secret.....  it has nothing to do with reading.
My first tip.
Have a Lucky Duck. Yes a lucky duck! Every day I choose one student to be a lucky duck. They get to wear a tag telling the world they are the lucky duck. 

You will be surprised how many staff members will begin to comment on the lucky duck  as you walk down the hall. It will become the most prized possession in your class. What's a lucky duck you ask? Anything you want. In my class the lucky duck is always the line leader. The lucky duck always gets to choose centers first. The lucky duck gets to open the gate to the playground.  Whatever is valued in your class-let the lucky duck have it. It doesn't take long ( usually a day or 2 ) for every kid in my class to want to be the lucky duck. 

By the first parent open house every parent knows about the lucky duck tag. Their kids may not tell them much about the daily events at school, but you can bet they will tell their parents when they are the lucky duck. You know what this gives you?  A barginning chip! Control! Power! You'll never once have to raise your voice.  You want to be the lucky duck? Then sit quietly, stand in line, keep your hands to yourself. In my class the conveted lucky duck tag goes to a student who is trying very hard, who turns it around, who is kind, who follows directions the first time. I can't tell you how many times I say something like " Billy is sitting criss cross apple sauce - he must want to be the lucky duck", "Emily is working quietly she must want to be the lucky duck", "Jayden just shared his toy with Joel he must want to be the lucky duck" Try it you will seriously be amazed. It's a great opportunity to recognize what you value in your class. Even the custodian in my school knows it is a high honor to be the lucky duck. 

Make that tag worth gold and the kids will literally jump through hoops to get it.  It's one of my strongest behavior managment tricks.  Don't forget to  share the tag. Very quickly the best behaved will show themselves, and just as quickly maybe quicker, those who struggle with behavior will become obvious. The lucky duck tag is meant to be shared. Everyone gets a turn. You must find a reason to let even the most challenging kids earn the right to wear the lucky duck tag. I believe strongly in kids who "turn it around" We all make mistakes. Make sure everyone has a turn!


 Don't miss my next post in this series about Guided Reading Groups in Kindergarten, it's all about tip #2 "The problem solver" and tip #3 "Vacation" time. 

You can get a free download of my lucky duck tag by following this link. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter here to receive exclusive blog freebies. 
 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1EjlZ6JiDh-srCZ8AriEAMDfPd2cy_qBiHllsJsZAT8Q/copy

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Don't forget to write! Avoid the summer slide.

                                           

So, a well deserved summer vacation is almost here. Thank goodness! Adults and children both need a break from the hustle and bustle that is a school year. But that doesn't mean learning has to stop. I know I plan on catching up on some reading while sitting on a beach. My favorite thing for kids to do over the summer is read and write. 
                                   

    If we can keep up with these skills during our break, we can avoid the "summer slide".  I love having kids read for pleasure over the summer.  Reading what you want or what interests you is a great way to build a  life-long love of reading.
                                         

But what about writing???   My own kids struggled with writing in the summer. They usually left it to the last week then made a mad scramble to journal about what we did.  It wasn't exactly their best writing. I have a solution. Summer writing prompts! These visual writing prompts help even the most reluctant writers. My parents love receiving a summer writing packet instead of a journal.  It makes it so easy for the parents. Half the battle is coming up with a topic to write about.  No parent wants to battle during the summer - we get enough of that all year. Let's make it easy for the parents, tutors, and summer camp counselors. Give em' something to write about.   Here are my favorite summer prompts. 

                                    

Writing in Kindergarten

I love teaching kindergarten because the kids go from barely knowing their letters in the fall to full on writers by the end of the year. However the journey is not always easy. 

I've seen my kids be really excited during group, ready to get to writing then they get to their seats and..... nothing. They get stuck; they forget what they want to write about. They feel a little intimidated. I honestly believe the first step in writing is not only having a topic that you know about, but believing you can do it.

One of my effective strategies is …..

Visual writing prompts.

I love using visual writing prompts because it’s very user friendly. Of course I want to hear their stories, their voice, but for some kids they just have a hard time getting their ideas down. This is what I use with those kids to build their confidence.

I give them an engaging picture, something they know a lot about recess, sports, friends, then I ask them to color the picture and write a sentence.  

"I see the girl cleaning the table."

The coloring aspect really helps  the reluctant writer. They can sit down next to a strong writer and not stare at an empty page.  They can start to color.  I do a mini lesson on the rug first, we talk about the picture, I model writing, then they turn and talk to tell a friend what they will write. Then it’s back to the table to get at it.

When we started I got a lot of sentences like. “I see a girl.”  But as we have progressed they have evolved into sentences like “The girl is going down the slide at the park. I think she is happy because she is smiling. I love to swing on the swings.  The park is fun”  

If you have students who struggle to get their ideas down, try this and let me know what you think. Here are some of my most popular prompts 

 

Text Dependent Writing in Kindergarten.

Text dependent wrtiting in kindergarten, is that even a thing???
Yes, Your kids can become text dependent writers when you use non-fiction topics. I find even my youngest learners respond well to non-fiction text. In my district it's all about text dependent writing. We want to the kids to not only write about what they're learning, but integrated that knowledge. Seems daunting, I know, but it CAN happen.

If your district uses the  common core you'll have to figure this out for your kids.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.2
Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts in which they name what they are writing about and supply some information about the topic.

I've spent some time trying to figure out how this works with kids who are just learning to write.  I think the key here is the kids "use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts."

My kids really respond to visuals so I've created a tabletop writing rubric. 

They respond well to the "directions". I have kids who want to write about their ideas, which is great for "writers workshop" but this is different. They need to respond to specific information. Remember, this can be accomplished through drawing. With a little bit of practice, your kids can become more adapt writers.

I like to keep track of my kids writing, and I keep some work for a portfolio, but often they want to bring their work home-who can blame them!! So a quick trip to the copy machine and a copy of this rubric helps fill their portfolio.

If you want to download these rubrics for free, check my store. 

Here's our most recent non-fiction writing; All About  Owls. 

Best of luck, please comment  with your experience.

OWLS

For the last couple of weeks we have been learning all about OWLS. I am always amazed at how well even my youngest learners respond to non-fiction. The kids have been obsessed with sharp talons catching mice!

First comes research!

Owls in the Block area. The kids are filling in an outline of an owl, then counting the types and number of blocks used. I love the ear tuffs on top!

Owl ten frames in the math center.

Creating a "wood" to go owling.

 

Everyone's favorite- Paper Mache!

What a great unit!

If you would like to see some of the products used, please visit my store 

Next, we're on to wolves!!!

Interactive Notebooks

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