Step-By-step guide to Interactive writing
What to Do |
Examples of Teacher Language |
1. Tell the children the topic. |
Let’s make a list of the things we’ll need for our picnic next week. I think we need to write a thank you note to Mr. Fernandez… We need a sign next to our guinea pig’s cage. |
2. Compose the text together. Generate several possible ideas for the sentence or list, and then choose one together. |
What ideas do you have? Think, and then turn to your partner and tell him or her your idea. Let’s think about what we can write to Mr. Fernandez to let him know how much we appreciated his help with planting our garden yesterday. What do you think our sign should say? Who has an idea? |
3. Say the sentence together. Then show children how to “put the words on your fingertips.” |
Let’s say our sentence all together... Put the words on your fingertips—one word at a time. Remember to start on this side… Let’s count—how many words will we write? |
4. Write the text, sharing the marker with the children. (Other children can “skywrite” the word or letters while one uses a marker, or you can give each child individual white boards and dry erase markers so they can compose alongside you.) Reread the entire text after each new word is added. Demonstrate how to use the alphabet chart, Word Wall, children’s names, or other tools to help with spelling and letter formation. |
Let’s read what we have written so far, "Our guinea pig’s name…” The next word is “is.” Who can come up and write it? Where can you look for a clue? Let’s stretch the next word, “pig.” Say it slowly, and stretch it out like a rubber band…ready? p-i-g Doug, your name ends with /g/, just like “pig.” Can you come up and make that letter? |
5. Edit (correct) any mistakes. |
Let’s fix this letter--r goes this way… I’m going to use this tape to “erase” the question mark, because now we know this sentence just needs a period. |
6. Put the writing to work. |
Let’s mail the letter right now! Caitlin, can you please hang the new sign near Taffy’s cage? |
