Making Lists in the Writing Center {Taking the Fear Out of Writing}

My class loves to write! 

During parent-teacher conferences, parents told me that their children are taking that excitement about writing and are doing it at home too. Awesome!

In the past, I've dreaded teaching writing. I could count on frustration, tears, and 'How do you spell...'

So  this year we approached writing with 'baby steps'. We started with copying words. Every Literacy Activity rotation, students are working on Handwriting Books {here} and it's going so well!

To take it a step further and to give students more choice in their writing, I created an activity for students to do during writing time...making LISTS!

We talked about lists and what they are for. I asked my student to give some examples of why people make lists. They gave great answers...for grocery shopping, so they remember what they have to get done, to help with packing for camping or vacations, to keep track of money, etc.

Here's what the station looks like:

My pack has 41 Word Cards, and 37 lists about a range of topics, themes, and interests.

I haven't set out ALL of the word cards at once. I chose around 8 topics/themes that relate to what we're learning or interested in now, and will switch them out at times throughout the year.

Here are some sample Word Cards. Students choose a word card, select words to copy, and fill in their lists. Graphics allow for students to 'read' the words. It's perfect for handwriting practice in a fun and meaningful way...students make their own choices about what they write!

Here are some sample lists. Conveniently made with 2 lists per page, it's easy to photocopy and cut in half to prep.

excuse the glare...hope you get the idea

 

You can find the pack {here}.

I find that this activity has really taken the fear out of writing, and without that worry they are eager to work towards the next 'baby step'...stay tuned!