Tips for Primary Writing

1. Write, Write, Write- make books, lists, letters, find a pen pal, use a diary or journal, make notes, write poems, label pictures, write facts about a topic, write a true story “small moment”, make up a fictional story…. Write about what interests your child! Have lots of writing supplies available!

2. Printing: Remember these tips…. a. Letters should be formed top to bottom. b. The “Magic C” can help your child make lots of other letters. If your child knows how to make a c they can make an o, a, g, etc…. c. Letters are not all one size. There are tall, small and underground letters.

3. High frequency words (example: the, me, at, up….) should be spelled correctly and used quickly in your child’s writing. Here are some fun ways to practice learning how to spell high frequency words: Sand, Paint, Whiteboards, Chalkboards, Shaving Cream, Ghost Writing, Rainbow Writing, Write it/Read it/Cover it.

4. Do not spell unknown words for your child when they are writing. Here are some tips: a. Invented spelling (phonetic spelling) is ok! Have your child say the word slowly and write the sounds they hear. b. Use sound boxes (provide boxes for all the sounds in the word) or spelling boxes (provide boxes for all the letters in the word). c. Use a practice/try page (scrap paper) when trying words they don’t know. d. Clap words into syllables to break the word up into smaller parts. e. Think about parts of the word your child may know. f. Use words or spelling patterns that your child knows. g. Use resources.

5. Types of primary writing: opinion, informative/explanatory, narrative

6. Writing Stages: a. Prewrite b. Write c. Revise d. Edit e. Publish

7. Be POSITIVE and give ENCOURAGEMENT for all writing. 8. Have your child share their writing with others!!!