I have taught first grade for 3 years, 1 of which was two-way dual language, and Kindergarten for 2 years. I am really excited to go back to my Kindergarten roots this year!
Today I wanted to share a little about interactive writing!
Interactive writing is one of the many elements of a balanced literacy model. The act of interactive writing is a bridge, so to speak, between reading and writing. The students not only get to write alongside an expert writer, the teacher, but they also get to read and re-read as they are composing text.
Many times interactive writing can get confused as shared writing. I know I am guilty of that! Shared writing is when the students tell the teacher what to write and she does so using correct writing conventions. This writing is a good example to be displayed in the classroom for students to reference. Interactive writing is when the students actually use the pen and write the text with the teacher assistance. This type of writing will not be perfect, but is a powerful learning experience for students.
So let's get started!
-With the colored markers, I allow them to choose a color and I write in black. This helps distinguish their writing from mine easily. Markers found HERE from Staples.
-We call the Post-it Tape "Oops! Tape". We use this when we make an oops in our writing. Post-it Tape found HERE from Staples.
-The alphabet chart is one of our resources that we use when stretching out words. We use its pictures to help use determine what letter makes that sound. Alphabet Chart found HERE from Creative Teaching Press.
-We use the pointer to help us track our text as we re-read what we have written. Pointer found HERE from Teacher's Tools.
Now we are ready to go!
When doing interactive writing, we usually write about experiences that we have shared in together. Sometimes it may be after a crazy experience with a frog on the playground and other times it will be a simple task of writing Daily News together. Whatever it is, I make sure that the students are eager about it and they are engaged!
Keeping a class of 5 year old engaged when they aren't the ones writing can be hard!! Goodness! Here are a few suggestions.
There are SO many benefits to doing interactive writing with your kiddos!
-They learn alongside you!
-They feel proud of their work and feel like an author!
-They have confidence because they are successful with your scaffolding!
-Everyone observes the writing process!
-They can apply these skills during their independent writing time in writer's workshop!
Do you do interactive writing in your classroom? What does it look like? I'd love hear any tips and tricks you have!
Be sure to check out my blog for more about what reading and writing looks like in our classroom!
