Kindergarten Beginning of Year Writing Curriculum

What is the goal of this writing unit?

This writing unit is all about preparing students with prewriting skills that will empower them to be successful later in the year with personal narrative, informative, and opinion writing. This unit helps kids learn how to form letters, illustrate and add details, begin using invented spelling, and verbally tell about pictures… which is their story. This happens before students write freely on their own.

Why is handwriting integrated into this writing unit and why is there so much emphasis placed on it?

Having a strong foundation in letter/sound relationships and being able to write letters legibly are essential skills for students to have before expecting them to write on their own. Instead of rushing independent writing, this unit thoughtfully teaches the name, sound, and formation of each letter and, as it is taught, students apply it using invented spelling.

In addition, we’ve found that when students are encouraged to write without having mastered letter formation skills, they oftentimes create their own way of forming letters which may interfere with legibility and ease of writing. The longer they are allowed to practice incorrect letter formation, the more ingrained the bad habits become, making it very difficult to change later in the year or in later grades.

Why are students expected to write letters on three lines instead of on blank whiteboards or paper?

The use of three lines is critical for handwriting development. Proper letter sizing and formation play an important role in legibility and help students write with ease. The lines, which are labeled sky line, fence line, and grass line, make it easier for children to know where to start and end their letters. We believe in immediately teaching how to use line guides so students learn correct formation from the get-go, instead of trying to correct bad habits later in the year. It may not be easy for all students at first, but the more practice they have using lines, the easier it will become.

Since the program is digital, what should I do if I can’t display the slides digitally and/or write on the slides?

You can print a hard copy of the teaching slides and display them on your document camera.