Writing

What is this and why is it important?

Writing is putting spoken words in print and is a very important part of language arts. Writing helps students think more about the stories and topics they are learning about. When students write, they are able to use new vocabulary, spelling, and knowledge about making sentences and paragraphs. In the early grades, students learn how to:

write different kinds of sentences,
write for different reasons and audiences,
plan, organize, draft, revise, and edit their writing, and
use words and language in creative ways.

Teaching writing should:

follow a clear plan,
give students lots of time for writing practice, and
include feedback from the teacher.

Additionally, clear and step by step instructions, teacher modeling, vocabulary supports, and examples are especially useful for multilingual learners as they learn about writing.

Here are two samples of what writing in the early grades might look like:

Grade K Writing to Tell a Story

Kindergarten — Writing to Tell a Story

Grade 2 Writing to Inform

Grade 2 — Writing to Inform
(This example is transcribed from student writing)

What can I do to learn more and to support writing at home? Check out some of these resources as a starting point.

Activities to support making writing fun at home
8 great ways to encourage your grade-schooler's writing from Understood has some creative writing strategies. Available in Spanish.**

Activities to support listening, speaking, writing, and drawing
Family and Caregiver Activities from the Institute of Education Sciences Regional Education Laboratory Program. Available in 10 languages.

support children's elementary writing skills at home

Fact sheet with three specific ways to support writing skills at home
Tips for Supporting Elementary Writing Skills at Home from The Institute of Education Sciences.

What are some questions I can ask my child's school or teacher to learn more about writing instruction at school?

What is my child learning during writing time?
What are my child's strengths in writing?
What areas need more instruction and practice?
What type of writing does my child do during the school day?

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Last Updated: September 25, 2024