Stop! Drop! And Write!

By Rufus Jennings

“Building a Writing Community With in Your Classroom among Early Writers (K-2)”

As a teacher of early learners, I always express the importance of writing.  First, I model to my students the joy and excitement of knowing how to write for different purposes and different audiences.  Next, during circle time and small group instruction, I demonstrate, model and explain the writing process to my students.  Then, students get an opportunity to see, learn and practice writing daily with coaching and independent practice. Last, by providing students with an ample amount of time and with various writing strategies aid and foster a                                                                           community of writers within the classroom.

Grade Level	Narrative	Informational/Explanatory	Opinion
Kindergarten	Single or multiple Events Described in order Reaction	Name of topic Some information	Topic for name of book Opinion
First Grade	Two or more sequenced events Details Temporary words for order Sense of closure	Name of topic Facts about topic Sense of closure	Topic (or name of book) Opinion Reasons Closure
Second Grade	Detailed or sequence of events Details describing thoughts, feelings, and actions Temporal words for order Sense of closure	Name of topic Facts or definitions about topic Concluding statement or section	Topic (or name of book) Opinion Reasons supporting opinion Linking words Connecting reasons Concluding statement or section

FIGURE 6.3   Important Elements for Audience and Purpose by grade level.  Coker and Ritchey,

“Teaching Beginning Writers”, p.96