Children in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade are motivated to write in various ways. Some children are natural storytellers, ready to share their narrative in books. Others are more interested in telling people everything they know about a particular topic. Regardless of the type of writer, teachers can increase children's energy for writing when they consider how they invite children to enter into writing.
Initiative is a key goal for all writers. Without initiative and purpose writing has little meaning. This seminar will examine five key entry points for young writers: Essential, Invitational, Story, Experience, and Interest. By matching these entry points with individual children teachers can ensure that each child brings energy to the writing process. In this seminar teachers will learn strategies for helping reluctant writers become motivated, purposeful writers, and for eager writers to become more thoughtful about their writing.
- Understand the "Big Ideas" of nurturing young writers
- Examine the difference in instructional structures for writers in preschool vs. K–1
- Consider Units of Study in the primary grades that maximize energy for writers, especially during the beginning of the year
- See how five entry points (Essential, Invitational, Story, Experience, and Interest) can nurture young writer's initiative
- Experience authentic writing samples and video clips from each of the five entry points
- Learn how to match individual writers with these entry points.