Writing Conference 3

Kindergarteners' learning is not usually gradual, but often happens in leaps and bounds. Just a few weeks ago, I saw them labeling single letters on their pictures. But today, they were writing words, some even sentences! We took them outside to draw some observations of the schoolyard, street, and surrounding area, and the results were amazing. I saw long strings of letters, and kids stretching out words fearlessly. I only got a few "is this right??" questions - most of the students were confident with their writing, as they should be.

I was especially pleased with Leo's work. He (morbidly) decided to draw the cemetery next to the school. I sat down with him, and reminded him that he needed to start writing words instead of single letters. As usual, he tried to tell me he only knew labels, but I told him I'd seen him write words before and that I knew he could do it. Then, instead of staying with him to make sure he was writing, I decided to leave him alone to see what he could do on his own. I'm so glad I did, because when I returned, he'd spelled "sun" and "graveyard" in the picture below. Graveyard is the word on the right - it's missing the "g," but if you read it bottom to top, he wrote a fair number of sounds - even a vowel! He read his writing back to me with pride in his voice, explaining that he'd add more words later, once he could think of other things to add to his picture.

Another thing: In morning meeting, as soon as I walked in, Leo turned around and whispered conspiratorially across the room: "I went to the library and got the cat book!" This was easily the best part of my day. I'd like to read more books with him that pique his interest, so that he learns that books can be rewarding and fun. I hope that with this book, he'll be able to foster a greater love of reading - and I really think he will.