Best Pencil Writing

Practicing writers need to be immersed in a print rich environment as
well as to have the opportunity to experiment with writing.  When
experimenting, we make sure that each child is using their "best
pencil".  For some children this is a pencil or marker while for others
it is a computer or stamps.  We take each writing lesson and
determine the goal for each individual child.  Again, each child is
provided with their "best pencil" while following the standard
Writer's Workshop curriculum.  Providing every child with
the appropriate writing tool allows them to work to their fullest
potential. 
                         Writer's Workshop

During Writer's Workshop students work on particular teaching
points explained during a mini-lesson.  Often, children are divided
into groups and a mini-lesson is taught to what the children in the
group need to work on.  This ensures that each child is working
on their own level and to their highest potential.  To help children
focus on teaching points, scaffolds are provided.  One of these
scaffolds is paper that is specific to each unit or lesson.  This
paper is designed to help children remember to add pictures
and text as well as to help organize their thoughts. 

Every child follows the class curriculum and every child is given
the tools and supports they need.  Some children are typing on
the computer while others are writing with a pencil. The "pencil"
may be different, but the idea is the same.  Children typing on the
computer are provided with the same scaffold as handwriters.  
Their paper is located within powerpoint on the computer as
opposed to on paper on the table.                        

                             Magnetic Letters

One of the intial to steps to
writing is the ability to match
letters in order to create words. 
We have created a magnetic
matching game that familiarizes
children with the idea that letters
are linked together to create
words. 

Using names of teachers and
friends helps children to feel
successful. The game uses
laminated letters fixed to
magnetized airconditioning
foam.  It is substantial enough
for most children to manipulate
and easily sticks to magnetic
cookie trays.



                   Intellikeys Keyboards

Often children who use computers for writing use Intellikeys
keyboards.  Like most things in our classroom these are created 
for each individual.  They are designed with the strengths of each
child in mind.  The key layout, key sensitivity and key pictures can
all be changed to fit the needs of each individual.

There are two basic formats for the keyboards.  This is a QWERTY
keyboard without pictures.  This is for children who have the ability
to type with two hands.  We also have a QWERTY keyboard with
letters and pictures for children who need wordwall hook words for
extra support.  The size and spacing of this keyboard can be altered
depending on each child's access.

This is a single-handed key board.  It is designed for children who
type with one hand at a time.  The keys have high frequency letters
concentrated in the center of the board.  Similarly to the QWERTY
keyboard this keyboard can be adapted to meet the strengths of
each child.

                     Slant Boards

 
  



  Students use slant boards to
  write, allowing their arm and
  hand  to be in optimal writing
  position. 
                     




                         Alphabet Charts

The class uses alphabet charts as a reference for forming letters
and remembering letter sounds. This chart  is in ABC format. 
We also offer QWERTY charts designed to help children
become accustomed to keyboard layout.