Writing centers in kindergarten and the start of first grade can be a challenge to say the least! Few beginning writers can write for any length of time independently. And everyone wants your help at the same time. It can be stressful… for the teacher and the students! Here are 3 writing center tips that might help.
Be Realistic
What writing tasks can your students work on independently at this time? If your students are still learning sounds and letters are they able to write journal entries or stories independently for 20 mins? If your students need to work independently while you do small group instruction… it is important there are writing options your students can do on their own and feel successful at.
Here a few beginning writing tasks you can add to your writing center.
•writing words
•making lists
•drawing
•little word books
Scaffold
Adding word lists to your writing center provides your students with words and ideas they can use in their writing.
My students loved them! They were used constantly all year, by students at all levels.
They allowed all my students to participate in independent writing activities. A helpful tool used by my beginning, reluctant and fluent writers alike!
Give Choice
Even your beginning writers will appreciate a variety of writing activities to choose from. It is important however, to be thoughtful about which writing tasks you add and how you add them to your writing center.
Before adding any new writing center activities make sure it is a task your students are already familiar with. For example, only after we learned about labeling a picture and worked on it as a class would I add these activities to the writing center.
Giving students choice can really help with beginning and reluctant writers. This way they can work on tasks they feel comfortable with until they are ready to move on. And it also gives all our little writers room to grow!
Check out Writing Center Words Lists and More HERE.
