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pez/k/FL - Hi Isabell, welcome
Isabell - Hi everyone!
Tina/kdg/IA - Hi, I loved reading your book!
milymo/k - Hi everyone!
Isabell - Glad to see such a nice turnout.
pez/k/FL - KidWriting is a big part of my classroom
Isabell - Thanks, Tina.
Kinderfred - I haven't been able to find Kid Writing.. What is it about.. I write daily in my K classroom
Kinderfred - I have seen a lot of post about this book and was real interested in it
Isabell - Kinderfred, have you been to the Kid writing website?
Tina/kdg/IA - This will be my first time to use it, however, it's kind of what we already do, just a better way of managing etc...
Kinderjane - My children did their first kid writing today.
Kinderfred - no..what is the addy??
Isabell - http://www.kidwriting.com
Kinderjane - This was our 9th day of school.
Sandy - I am starting it this year with my Kindergarten Kids...What advice would you give me...
Isabell - How did it go, Kinderjane?
Kinderfred - that is an easy addy LOL
Tina/kdg/IA - Kinderjane, how did you teach it for the first day? Did some kids just sit there?
Isabell - Sandy, have you read the book?
kathy - I attended Isabell's seminar last August and introduced the kid writing concept to my first grade class last year. They loved to write.
Kinderfred - this was my 16th day of school.. It is amazing how far they have come with writing in a short amount of time
KatePSU - I just got the book in the mail today from the write group- I got it off the website.
pez/k/FL - This was my 10th day. Still learning routines
Sheila - I never got to it last year but it is one of my goals for this year.
Sandy - Yes..over half way through....
Isabell - You really need to do that - get a foundation. Then I can answer any specific questions.
Kinderjane - GREAT!!They all wrote. One letter like forms, 3 sounded out words, the others random letter, but they felt good about what they wrote.
Sheila - Isabell, any suggestions for adapting to pre-k?
Di/K/NJ - I have never used KidWriting before. Should I start on Day 1?
Kinderfred - I try to get it off Wright group as well.. but when I go to put in my order something happens
Tina/kdg/IA - So should we not start Kid writing the FIRST day of school like suggested in the book?
Kinderjane - I worked in groups of 2-3.
Isabell - Yes, please do start at the very beginning of the year.
KatePSU - I'm hoping to implement it with a group of English as a second language learners- I read the book, but are there more suggestions?
Isabell - It's important that the kids learn the routine early on.
Kinderfred - it looks like a great site.. I will have to explore later
Tina/kdg/IA - In the book, it sounded like there was a teacher & helpers for this. How do I get around to everyone (24) with just me?
Di/K/NJ - I don't think I am going to get to every child each day. Is that ok?
Kinderfred - Isabell.. Are you one of the author's??
Kinderjane - I've found the earlier we start, the less likely they are to be "hung up" on how they write.
Isabell - Tina, you'll be working with a group of children, not one at a time.
Taci/K-1/PA - Kinderfred-I had trouble ordering via computer so I called and it was here in a short time
Kinderfred - Tina... I have at times ... just met with one group and rotated during the week
Isabell - Lo. Please post your comment!
Isabell - Kinderfred, yes. I was very fortunate to have worked with Eileen Feldgus, co-author.
pez/k/FL - Before I start them in their journals we go through how everyone writes from little kids to teachers and it seems to relieve the anxieties. They see that's it's okay to just draw a picture. Is this okay?
Tina/kdg/IA - So everyone writes every day, but you only work/help a small group? Then you don't see what others write that day.
Deb - I think it is important to remember to work with a group...not just an individual child
Maureen/K?MA - I had the same trouble with ordering from the wright group- ordered today from amazon
Isabell - pez, drawing a picture is an important part of the process.
Isabell - But, we also have them write about the picture every day.
Kinderfred - Can we order the book off your website Isabell? I am very interested to get a copy of it
pez/k/FL - Isabell, we had the powers that be tell us in a meeting once that they didn't want the children drawing pictures. ( we ignored them)
Isabell - Yes, Kinderfred. There is a link to the Wright Group website.
Kinderfred - good for you Pez
deblm - what did you have them write about on their first day of school? I don't have the Kid writing book yet.
Deb - I think drawing the picture is a "safe" beginning for many of my children
Kinderjane - Kinderfred- I own 200 early childhood books, and this one is either #1 or close to it!
Paulie - about the picture they draw or one you give them?
Maureen/K?MA - I do a lot of writing with the kids, haven't read your book yet- but wondered about group writing- sometimes you have a very eager writer- who gives all the answers to everyone- instead of letting them think a minute- how do you handle this?
Kinderfred - ok... I have trouble getting the Wright group site to go through when I go to place the order after I give them my credit information
stac - Isabell, have you had problems with ESL students beginning the writing process?
Isabell - pez. I agree. Sometimes we just have to close our classroom doors and do what we know is best.
Kinderfred - I wish I could go get it right now Kinderjane
Isabell - deblm, it's so important not to assign topics.
pez/k/FL - I think it gets easier to ignore when you've taught for 20 years. LOL
Maureen/K?MA - We do "summer vacation news" the first day- pictures- write what they can/want- some just want dictation
Kinderfred - Do you MODEL for them Isabell?
Isabell - The picture helps them decide what to write about.
Deb - Paulie, the picture should be one that they draw so it reflects their interest
deblm - what did you have the kids write about on their first day of school?
Kinderfred - We read Miss Bindergarten. Then asked the children how did they get ready for kindergarten.. and asked to make a picture and attempt to write if they could
Paulie - o good I did not want them to have to write about something else first (another picture)
Isabell - Maureen, we discourage teachers from taking dictation. We believe that sends the message that kids can't write by themselves.
Barbie/K/WI - Don't a lot of your students get upset that they can't "write" and not want to even try?
Paulie - I did not have that trouble with dictation for the first couple weeks
Kinderfred - Do you write down what they attempted to write after they had attempted Isabell?
Isabell - Assigning topics is not Kid Writing.
Maureen/K?MA - I agree, but for a week or so- it seems to let some feel OK- then they want to try it on their own- Not OK??
Paulie - I wrote it in yellow so they could copy what they said it was
Sheila - but when you ask them to tell you what their writing says, isn't that taking dictation?
Taci/K-1/PA - Isabell-when you write, after the child is finished, do you write right below their words or is lower on the paper better?
Isabell - It's important to know that. Children need to choose their own topics.
Paulie - and then after that I let them sound things out
Di/K/NJ - Do you begin Writing Workshop on the first day, too?
stac - Okay, so has anyone had ESL students that struggle with this process?
Kinderfred - ty for that insight Isabell about topics
kathy/fl - how do you handle "under writing " early in the year with k's?
Isabell - Sheila, we don't have to ask them what their writing says because we don't tell the kids to go off on their own and write.
Isabell - We sit with them and help them through the process.
KatePSU - For ESL children is it okay fro you to translate the word to English and have them write it? ANd if you can't translate should I encourage them to sound it out in Spanish or make a magic line?
Kinderfred - I have ESL , ELL in CA, they seemed to be picking up on the writing process
Sandy - Our County has adopted another writing program that has the child writing first and then drawing a picture. It seems so hard for them to do that ...I like this better...
Sheila - hmm.ok..i have to go back and reread that portion of the book
kathy - I plan to start the first day by writing in my journal for everyone to see. I plan to make my journal from large drawing paper.
Kinderfred - It is helpful Sandy that they have a picture to talk about when they attempt to write
stac - Do most of those students (ESL) just draw the pictures at first?
Deb - It seems that many teachers are interested in finding out how to use Kid Writing with ESL children
Sandy - I agree.....
Kinderfred - Yes, mine do.. they understand that part
Isabell - I'm sorry - I'm not able to answer all of the questions that are being addressed to me.
Isabell - (Can't type fast enough !)
Sheila - I'm interested in figuring out how to adapt kid writing to pre-k
Kinderfred - Isabell... Do you write what they attempted to write on their paper?
Kinderfred - LOL@Isabell.. Everyone is excited about your book....
KatePSU - My whole class is ESL and they do a lot of pictures, but I really want to encourage the writing.
Sandy - Our principle told us the other day she was disappointed in the writing in Kindergarten....So I decided to start the first day with this program.....
Isabell - Kinderfred, you really have to read the book! There is too much involved to explain in this type of forum!
Maureen/K?MA - I agree, but for a week or so- it seems to let some feel OK- then they want to try it on their own- Not OK??
Kinderfred - I wish I could Isabell.. I have been looking and trying
Isabell - You see, the children do not write on their own until they can use sensible phonetic spelling.
stac - I only have 7 ESL students but usually they are the lower students in my class and so I think that it will be some adjustment to have those students do some writing.
Di/K/NJ - So do they just bring the picture to us and we help them write?
kathy/fl - I like your label for inventive spelling - phonics based spelling. that will sit better with my parents!
Tina/kdg/IA - What does everyone use for their journals? I put blank paper in 3 hole pocket folders. But these will get too fat by the end of the year.
Isabell - That is one of the things that distinguishes Kid Writing from traditional writing workshop programs for young children.
Isabell - Di/K, yes. Exactly!
Deb - ESL-K students seem to have a few more hurdles to overcome
KatePSU - Although
kathy - I made my own journals. I stapled 20 sheets of copy paper together with a cover for the first journal.
Isabell - The book explains how to help them stretch through the words. For example, we ask that you try not to isolate the sounds.
stac - I just bound paper together with a heavy card stock. I think that I will be adding the paper to folders for them to take home at each conference time.
Isabell - But, say the entire word, so the meaning is not lost.
Barbie/K/WI - Do most of you keep the journal for the entire year or make several and send them home throughout the year?
Lo - Isabell- I started to use your book and methods for the last 4 months when I got the book. I could not belive the difference in writing AND the security to take a risk. I'll be sure to start in the second week -looking forward!
Isabell - If you have to isolate a phoneme, you immediately let the children hear the whole word again.
milymo/k - I'm planning on making monthly journals and saving the Sept - Jan - and last journal, so parents can see their progress at the end of the year.
Darcy/PK - file folders in half and stuff them with picture/writing paper, then staple the seam.
kathy/fl - tina i do the same, but at the end of each month i conference with the children , file a few in a portfolio, send the rest home and put in just enough paper for the next month. I haven't finish reading KD yet, so I may modify it....
Isabell - Lo, thanks! It really is an exciting way to teach!
kathy - I make several journals and send them home through the year. I do keep samples from each one for each child's folder.
stac - I usually send them home at the end of the year but I think I will send them home at certain intervals during the year.
Maureen/K/MA - Sorry- I hit some button and everything went away- Isabell-- We have "sharing time" every day- kids talk about a topic- for the first few weeks we model and assign a topic- like tell us about your family- then the kids brainstorm a list- the day after they share - we have them write/draw what they told us- Is this too "assigned" a way to do it? We do other things as well- but the kids like this one.
Kinderfred - WOO HOO... I think I was able to order from Wright Group!!!!!
Tina/kdg/IA - Thanks, I was wondering if you had several journals or file a few papers away & send the others home later.
Isabell - Maureen, there really is no need to assign a topic on a daily basis.
Kinderfred - well... I am going to be off now... ty for the advice Isabell.. looking forward to reading the book soon and be able to ask some questions later
Isabell - I understand that children do need to learn to write in response to a prompt.
Barbie/K/WI - Tina, this is trivial, but do you give the students the same color folders or different colors?
Isabell - But, daily journal writing is unprompted.
Tina/kdg/IA - This will be my first time doing this, starting Thursday, & I bought different colored 5 cent folders from Walmart
stac - I like the idea of taking the children's pictures once a month during a fun activity in the room and having them write about it. I think I will put those in their memory book for the end of the year.
N.H. - I just logged on so forgive me if this has been discussed. Is there anything wrong with using spiral notebooks? I have used them in the past and have found the kids don't really pay attention to the lines
Maureen/K/MA - The "sharing time" thing is a weekly topic that the kids come up with- the kids take turns and we get to everyone by the end of the week. We take all of their pages and make a class book.
Isabell - One of the problems with giving kids topics is that they come to depend on them.
Deb - When I model for my students the first few days, I might "think out loud" about some journal topics and then, choose the one I like the best. I think this helps the children think about their own journal topic.
Lo - I've always used large scrapbooks that last a long time. I see everyone seems to use monthly journals. Any advantages?
Barbie/K/WI - ok, thanks
Isabell - They come to believe that they can't think of their own.
Di/K/NJ - According to the book, the children should sit in groups, on the rug, etc. Do you find that children copy each other? Is this ok?
kathy/fl - what do you do with the child who does rainbows 4 out of 5 days?
Isabell - But, when you just let them draw - then ask them to tell about their drawings, they come up with the most amazing stories!
deblm - Gotta go, tomorrow's our first day of school, I am anxious to read the book.
Paulie - rainbows are good
Isabell - Deb, I love that you are doing think-alouds for your own modeled writing.
stac - Do any of you teach half day Kindergarten?
Isabell - Thinking aloud about how to choose a journal topic is powerful teaching!
Barbie/K/WI - stac, I do
Barbie/K/WI - about 2 1/2 hours each session
stac - Barbie where do you teach? I'm from WI
kathy - Isabell, do your students use markers or pencils to write in their journals?
jankwv - Isabell, could you explain more about your graph activities and writing. I saw the idea in your book where your class wrote about the 76ers.
stac - That's what mine are Barbie, have you done Kid Writing before?
Barbie/K/WI - Delavan
Deb - Isabell, can you talk about how to help ESL with the vocabulary?
Barbie/K/WI - no, and I haven't read the book
Paulie - I wonder if in one of your teacher ramblings about what u r going to write u could choose a rainbow one time and demonstrate what you will write about it and if you should make your rainbow in the center or in the corner or with a pot of gold or what ever
Isabell - Di, the children may copy each other's pictures occasionally, but since you are having little conversations with them about their writing, you steer them away from writing the same stories.
Isabell - kathy, I like to have the children use markers.
Isabell - One of the good things about markers is that they can't be erased.
Barbie/K/WI - are crayons ok though?
Isabell - We teach the kids to just cross out and keep going. This keeps their writing fluent.
Paulie - In other words if that little one had someone model exactly what her favorite drawing was she could see how she could do it differently and not just stay safe with the same kind of rainbow and never add words.
Di/K/NJ - Is there a time when we don't have little conversations with them and they begin writing on their own? Does this just happen naturally?
Isabell - They're also fun and easy to see when using the journals to do mini-lessons.
stac - I have heard of people using those little golf pencils. THat way they can't erase either.
kathy/fl - Good points, paulie
Lo - Isabell- How late in the year have you worked one on one with children ?
Paulie - thanks u
Maureen/K/MA - Isabell- sorry- the book is on order- so... about erasers- we use markers/ tell them to just keep on going- but for those who panic- we let them use a "band-aid"- white address label- it really helps those few who would sit and pout forever- to just get over it.
Paulie - I like the band aid
Isabell - Someone is asking about ESL. Sorry, I'm trying to keep up here! You would use the same procedure to do ESL. But, you would use more pictures and motions to help with communication.
Barbie/K/WI - Maureen, good idea
Deb - Good idea for those children who just keep pouting
stac - what do you do with those children that just absolutely refuse to write?
Maureen/K/MA - Thanks, I liked Paulie's "leave a shoe" the other day
Isabell - Di, yes! They do begin writing on their own. And it happens early in the year for many children!
Deb - magic lines are just for that, stac
Paulie - thanks maureen
Isabell - Remember, the key is not to let them work independently until they can use sensible phonetic spelling.
stac - Oh that's right. THanks Deb
Maureen/K/MA - Sorry- I missed this- what are "magic lines"
Georgia - Isabell, I like the "crown" ideas. Can you have more than one of the same crown at the same time? Like two "King of INGS?"
Isabell - Believe it or not, it is very rare to have children refuse to write with Kid Writing.
stac - I had each child have a King of ING crown and they loved it! They really caught on to that ending sound fast!
Deb - magic lines are short horizontal lines that "hold the space" for a word.....used especially in the beginning
Isabell - You are creating such a joyful, risk free environment - everyone is excited about writing!
Isabell - Every child also has an audience for his writing. This is highly motivating.
Di/K/NJ - That's the best part. Everyone is doing something...even when they're not doing the actual writing!
stac - Isabell, do you have a schedule of when you are going to be holding conferences? I would love to attend one.
Isabell - Georgia, I see nothing wrong with 2 King of Ing crowns, but I wouldn't overdo it. You don't want to over stimulate!
Becky - Isabell, I have used Kid Writing for a year and a half now. My students ALL love to write--I can't remember anyone complaining. Do you model how to do the graphs and other writings right away or later after they are doing more recognizable writing?
Georgia - Isabell, I liked your idea of each child having a class list of names to cross out when they graph. I am going to use that this year.
Donna - What are you suggestions to introducing writing on the first day ? Modeling?
Di/K/NJ - I would love to attend a conference, too. Or visit your class!!
Isabell - Becky, Thanks! Teachers everywhere are giving us such positive feedback. It's so heartening! We recommend that you just use journal writing in the beginning - until they have a solid foundation for writing.
kathy/fl - lisa, thanks for setting me straight on this meeting time!
Isabell - Then, gradually introduce the spin-offs. (In the Writing Across the Curriculum chapter)
Isabell - Each time we introduce a new writing idea, it's like giving the kids a present. We let them unwrap and play with it for a while before giving them another one.
Isabell - Thanks, Georgia.
Isabell - Donna, the book fully explains how to introduce writing on the first day.
Isabell - There's too much to tell you here.
Isabell - Di, you are welcome to visit my class. Just e-mail me at KTeachMSC@aol.com
kathy/fl - Isabell, I just started reading your book, and before I logoff I want to tell you how terrific your book is! I can't wait for the first day of school!
Deb - Isabell, If a child want to use the word "escula", do you say, "Yes, lets write "school"?
Isabell - kathy, thanks!
Maureen/K/MA - Isabell- How do you integrate Kid writing with Building Blocks or other systems out there?
Georgia - I took down my word wall and I'm having the kids label the room this year. I agree that I think it will be much more meaningful.
Di/K/NJ - Good question, Deb
Isabell - Deb. That depends. Is it a Spanish immersion class?
Deb - No, it is an ESL class
Isabell - Building Blocks have some components that are very compatible with Kid Writing, but there are some important differences.
Di/K/NJ - Thanks, Isabell. I'll be in touch.
Isabell - For example, Building Blocks does not recommend having a word wall in Kindergarten.
Isabell - But, there are many great ideas in BB.
Isabell - I think BB moves at a slower pace.
Shar - What would you do differently for first graders when you begin writing with them?
Isabell - You have to decide which philosophy most closely matches your own.
Isabell - Shar, that depends on the abilities of your first graders.
Isabell - If they are already writing independently, you would skip some of the beginning steps.
Paulie - why can't u use both BB and Kid writing?
Deb - I'm going to take a stab at this and answer my own question. I think that the teacher would confirm to the child that the word is escula in Spanish and the English word is school. "Let's try to write school" Is this appropriate?
milymo/k - How do you do your Word Wall for Kid Writing?
Maureen/K/MA - I don't have a "word wall"- but I have changing things like word walls- words we use a lot for weekend news, fall words, some thematic words we are using- is this what you would use- or not? I used to have word rings for kids to use when they were writing- but they didn't use them
Shar - Most of the first graders come with a good background with letters and sounds and with some kdgn. writing experiences.
Isabell - You can certainly use many of the ideas in BB along with Kid Writing. But Kid Writing does use kindergarten word wall.
Isabell - Deb. Yes. I love that approach.
Isabell - We post only high frequency words that the children need for their writing on the word wall.
Deb - Need to go ....Hubby just came home from work. Bye
Georgia - The rime houses, you mentioned in the book, do you display these all the time or just during kid writing?
Paulie - I use names, environmental print and themes for word walls they are not up all the time just the names and env print
Isabell - We do not recommend posting the children's names there.
Mo - I love Kid Writing! It's the best
Isabell - But it is important that the children have access to names.
Isabell - So, I try to make really STRONG name tags that will last for most of the year.
Maureen/K/MA - Isabell- your high frequency words- are they "sight" words or "outlaw" type of words?
Isabell - This is important because names are a great source for phonics lessons.
Isabell - Names are also posted on attendance charts, graphs, etc.
Szy - I just started word walls a few years ago and it's made a big difference in the kids writing
Isabell - Maureen, they are the words that children need most often in their writing. The word wall is a support system for their writing.
Isabell - I assume that by "outlaw" words, you mean words with irregular spellings?
Maureen/K/MA - yes
Isabell - Many of the word wall words are outlaw words.
Laurie - Do you do the getting to know you activities from building blocks or just the journals at the beginning?
Maureen/K/MA - I use words like house, play, go went, etc- but wondered about the irregular ones
Isabell - For example, friends is one of the most frequently used words.
Di/K/NJ - What do you mean by "outlaw" words?
Chis - I love your book! At first I know that the students just draw a picture. When able, do they draw the picture and write the story on the same page too?
Mo - outlaw words are words that you can't sound out
Maureen/K/MA - yep- that's one I have up there- Thank You- Isabell- can't wait to get my book.
Isabell - Mo, the first word up on the word wall is THE. That's certainly one you can't sound out!
Isabell - Chis, we recommend that you allow a full page for drawing and another full page for writing.
NH - Are you currently teaching, Isabell?
Di/K/NJ - Isabell, do you teach all day Kindergarten?
Isabell - Drawing on the left and writing on the right - so that the kids can continue to write on the next page, if needed.
Paulie - should both pages face each other?
Isabell - Yes, I do teach full day K.
Mo - What about half and half - I bought this journals with both the drawing section and writing section on one page
NH - I teach all-day K
Di/K/NJ - I thought they would do the drawing and writing on the same page.
Isabell - But, I originally did KW with 2 half day classes.
Becky - Have to go but wanted to tell everyone Kid Writing is one of the best things that has happened to young beginning writers. Thanks, Isabell.
Becky - Have to go but wanted to tell everyone Kid Writing is one of the best things that has happened to young beginning writers. Thanks, Isabell.
Isabell - In fact, most of the samples in the book are from half day students.
Paulie - I don't think at the beginning of the year too many K students write too much to need a whole page
Isabell - I'll have to be signing off shortly, but wanted to apologize to those people who's questions I didn't get to.
Chis - What is the reasoning behind separate pages for writing and drawing?
Sandi - I've done the drawing and right as Isabell describes and I've done it with picture on top and writing on bottom and back if they want. I've had success with both.
Di/K/NJ - thanks for your help Isabell!
NH - Thanks so much for sharing with us tonight, Isabell
Paulie - Thanks for coming Isabell
Melva - I used to make little cutesy shaped journals, but with kid writing I've gone to full size pages and the kids really do a lot more writing and drawing.
Isabell - You are very welcome. Please visit the website at http://www.kidwriting.com
Isabell - Or http://www.kidwriting.homestead.com
THanks - Thanks, Isabell for all your wonderful ideas!
Isabell - Melva, that's a great point. Give them the space and they'll write more!
Di/K/NJ - I can't wait to get started! Hopefully there will be another chat during the school year!
Isabell - Wish I could stay longer. This is my favorite subject! LOL!
Isabell - Happy Kid Writing, everyone!
THanks - Appreciate your time. Thanks
Melva - Kid writing is a very helpful book, thanks Isabell, for the book and your willingness to share online. I'm recommending the book to my colleagues.
Isabell - Thanks, Melva!
Isabell - Goodnight!
