We chat every Tuesday night at 8:30-9:30 pm CST. All are welcome, especially EarlyEd teachers, leaders & experts. Co-founded & moderated by @techwnancy @JessicaCabeen & @VealHeidi
Patricia Williams, Region 10 consultant working with alternative certification teachers in their 1st year...a little bit of this and a little bit of that :) glad to be here #ECEchat
Hello, #ECEchat community! I am thrilled to learn alongside you this evening. I work in Early Childhood Services at Region 10. I am passionate about growing writers at a young age!
Hi #ECEchat friends! Heidi here, Early Childhood Program Administrator in Lewisville ISD. I’m proud to support teachers and our youngest learners in #LISDpk
Hello, #ECEchat community! I am thrilled to learn alongside you this evening. I work in Early Childhood Services at Region 10. I am passionate about growing writers at a young age!
Good evening #ECEchat PLN! My name is Nancy. I am the very proud principal of Celina Primary School in North Texas. I am passionate about things #ECE and #EarlyEd#STEAM#STEM
A1. I build gross motor through dances and acting out stories and movement. Getting students moving in PE has been awesome. I want to try and incorporate more gross motor into center time! #ecechat
A1: I encourage #teachers to design an environment that allows time, space, and opportunities to move around and #play. Also, being intentional at #musicandmovement to engage big body movement. #ecechat
Hi Jessica, early interventions specialist and SLP, provide training and support for Indiana teachers working w/ students struggling to access curriculum w/ and w/out disabilities #ECEchat
A1 I always had a fine motor center in my classroom that I planned weekly activities for.. We also had a gross motor skill we focus on during outdoor learning! #ecechat
A1: We play, dance, and move. We bring books to life (Going on a Bear Hunt is always fun!) and we are very lucky to have an awesome PE teacher! #ecechat
A1. In Nature Preschool we are outside for 2 to 2.5 hours a day. Students are able to climb, roll, spun, run, etc as they explore the outdoor learning center #ecechat
A1. In Nature Preschool we are outside for 2 to 2.5 hours a day. Students are able to climb, roll, spun, run, etc as they explore the outdoor learning center #ecechat
Motor labs/motor rooms are a must! Do you have intentional activities setup that everyone does or does each teacher decide on their own what to do? #ECEChat
A2: You learn to crawl, then walk, before you can run. The same is true for writing development. Muscles need to be developed and strengthened. It begins with scribbling, making lines, shapes, pictures, to finally making letter like forms. #ECEchat
A2. Each child is different and can be at different stages. This is one thing I am sure to explain to parents. It’s okay to scribble, it’s where they are at and what they are ready for. It will all work out eventually. It’s all about asking the child what it says! #ecechat
The stages of writing are developmental, just like walking. A baby learning to walk never falls down and then refuses to try again. They keep trying. Exactly like what we want our early writers to do! #ECEchat
#ECEchat A2 when you write you have to develop the hand and fingers muscles n make them strong. Just like when u learn to walk, u have to develop the leg muscles
No better place to work on gross motor than outside! :) Although in the all day program we do enjoy gym time in the afternoon when the gear is wet or the Ss aren't feeling up for the transition of getting their stuff back on to go out... #ECEChat
A2: As with walking, writing is dependent upon mastery of the prior step in order to move on. We begin with drawing, adding detail to drawings, labels, dicating the meaning of the drawing, "pretend" writing" looks like zig zags, letter strings, phonetically spelling #ecechat
A2: Just like there is so much that comes before a child is able to take their first step, there are so many things that need to be in place before a child even holds a pencil! Being aware of the process helps us be more intentional in our classrooms #ECEchat
A2 crawling to walking at differing stages- drawing, learning letters/sounds/letter formation, labeling, spelling words phonetically, writing sentences...some ready for next step before others, etc #ecechat
A2: just like walking, not every single student is going to write the same way and may need some support to move across a room. Consider assistive technology and techniques that give all students access to writing #ECEchat
A2 I think about language development & how written expression is the most challenging part of language and literacy development. It requires the most supports and scaffolds. #ecechat
A1: #ECEchat. We have to start in baby steps. Like crawling before we walk. Each step is a beautiful progression of independence until we can put our thoughts into the written word.
A2. One of my favorite things to do at the end of the year is look at Ss nature journals from fall to spring. In the fall usually scribble like drawings and scribbles for words, to intentional shapes & more detail to the drawings with words written by invented spelling. #ECEChat
I encourage teachers of young children to post children's scribbling on bulletin boards. If we respect and value what children have created enough to display it, hopefully, that will encourage parents to do the same. #ecechat
A1 at the daycare I work at we always give the children time in the morning to play. I think this is important because it gives them time to burn off some energy and ready to start their day. #ECEchat@barbersclass#barbersclass
A3: my favorite! Different mediums and different objectives. 1) make the words 2) foam letter creations 3) authors corner (make your own book) 4) create your own alphabet 5)journal your center journey. I could@gonkn forever! #ECEchat
When I was a Head Start teacher I learned to incorporate writing in all my learning stations. I does not need to be paper & pencil. It can be magnetic writing tablets, clip boards with paper, etc. I loved giving them fun writing instruments - keeps it novel & fun. #ECEchat
Writing is a process vs product approach.Every child goes through the beginning stages and at their ability they work through the developmental stages from drawing pictures, to writing random letters, to writing beginning sounds,using inventive spelling,to fill sentences.#ECEchat
A2 The way I see learning to walk everyone does it differently. Just like writing. Everyone has their own way of holding a pencil or how they like their elbow when they write. Everyone does it differently. @barbersclass#barbersclass#ECEchat
I have added white boards, magna doodles and center journals to all my centers. I also try and add theme related items where they fit. For example at the Vet Center they had a pet exam form. In science we have a Sink and Float chart. Always want to hear good ideas! #ecechat
A3: have a letter writing stations with stamps and really mail the letters. After reading The Jolly Postman, Ss of all ages can walk through what is in a letter and then write. #ECEchat
A3 Writing can take place in all centers, but not only do we need accessibility in all centers we also need to help set the stage for our students by adding a purpose for those writing materials! #ecechat
A3: Writing opportunities should be in every center! Most of my Ss are building their fine motor skills, but I am able to assess progress informally through daily journaling and drawing invitations #ECEchat
A3: Write the room, paper and writing utinsils and books in every center, environmental print wall and word wall that they are able to pull from and place back #ecechat
Yes!! We do dictation where we write what the child drew/wrote. Children like knowing their drawing/writing is valued & means something. When shared with parents, then parents can ask details questions opposed to "what is this?" #ECEChat
#ecechat Q3. Drawing lines (rainbows) and shapes on white board at or above shoulder height is a great center activity to develop arm and hand muscles needed to write.
A3: For students who cannot reach/hold things, little voice recording buttons ($4) work for young students not ready for voice-to-text technology as practice for when they are. Lots of kids love playing with them, listening to speech and rerecording/editing #ECEchat
A3: Blank paper and crayons in every center for children to draw if they choose! Dramatic play elements in every center. Open-ended, hands-on materials in every center! Plenty of time for children to #play in centers! #ecechat
Tech can open doors for expression & writing development. S’s can use creativity apps➡️ @ChatterPixIt@BookCreatorApp Shadow Puppet Edu, Draw&Tell by @duckduckmoose to express themselves & tell & draw their stories🌟Extremely motivating, high level thinking & empowering. #ECEChat
A2: just like walking, not every single student is going to write the same way and may need some support to move across a room. Consider assistive technology and techniques that give all students access to writing #ECEchat
I changed my writing station all the time. It takes lots of effort to write so teachers need to keep this station engaging. During certain holidays/units it was a greeting card shop. Other times it was a post office. It was a fun & meaningful way to get them to write. #ECEchat
A3. Integrating writing into learning centers makes it authentic and meaningful for Ss. making signs for buildings in block area, lists of animals in nature/science center, shopping lists in dramatic play, rules for the game at game center, etc. #ECEChat
We use writting centers at the daycare. We tell the children that this is where they can write in their journals but they can also trace letters here and other things as well like different sentences. @barbersclass#barbersclass. #ECEchat
A3: write the room, listening center reflections, and interactive writing in guided reading centers. Endless options! There is evident research out there that proves the reciprocity between reading and writing boosts literacy skills the the fullest potential. #ECEchat
A3 We use writting centers at the daycare. We tell the children that this is where they can write in their journals but they can also trace letters here and other things as well like different sentences. @barbersclass#barbersclass#ECEchat
Whiteboards are great. With little effort they can draw and write with dry erase markers. It helps build their confidence and skills. Plus they can erase and try again unlike pens/markers. #ECEchat
Tech can open doors for expression & writing development. S’s can use creativity apps➡️ @ChatterPixIt@BookCreatorApp Shadow Puppet Edu, Draw&Tell by @duckduckmoose to express themselves & tell & draw their stories🌟Extremely motivating, high level thinking & empowering. #ECEChat
A2: just like walking, not every single student is going to write the same way and may need some support to move across a room. Consider assistive technology and techniques that give all students access to writing #ECEchat
A3: we do not have learning stations at my school. I do however, try to integrate writing into all my small groups (reading, writing, and math). I find that our math sentences are the best time to focus on conventions. #iteachfirst#ecechat
A2: Just like walking, writing happens in stages and the students need support, support, support, and practice, practice and assisting them when they fall #ecechat
A4. Praise the process & honor where each child is at and that what they are doing is writing. In the beginning Ss are often reluctant to do their nature journals over fear of "mistake" or "I can't do it." But by the 3rd time they are eager to share their work. #ECEChat
A4: one way I have encourage was by starting with oral language and story telling...we all have a storyteller in us and then we can guide them to recording their own stories...giving authenticity to the purpose of their writing! #ECEchat
Oh, and Word Wizard app, lets students play with talking tiles for speech sounds (not letter names) and numbers to make words and math sentences. Great for phonemic awareness/phonics activities, like letter magnets on steriods #ECEchat
Tech can open doors for expression & writing development. S’s can use creativity apps➡️ @ChatterPixIt@BookCreatorApp Shadow Puppet Edu, Draw&Tell by @duckduckmoose to express themselves & tell & draw their stories🌟Extremely motivating, high level thinking & empowering. #ECEChat
A2: just like walking, not every single student is going to write the same way and may need some support to move across a room. Consider assistive technology and techniques that give all students access to writing #ECEchat
A4. Modeling and sharing of writing. Have an authors chair, they love to share! I also love to post writing around the room! It is a boost! I also am using Seesaw to share with families! #ecechat
A4: We journal everyday. We have lots of conversations about how we are writers and practice helps us to persevere and even if we are drawing pictures it is writing. #ECEchat
A4 Accepting whatever students offer as ‘writing’ is a first step… they must first see themselves as writers! Also, adding in a variety of writing tools: markers, colored pencils, jumbo pens, scented markers, paint! #ecechat
A4. There are several initially reluctant writers in these pictures. By the end of the year they were choosing nature journals over nature play. #ECEChat
The word wall is a great motivator for writing. I always added words related to things they were interested in. Sometimes I had doubles of some words. My word wall was interactive (Velcro) #ECEchat
A4: I help w/ 1:1 conferences, listening to them tell their stories & praising the story. I show Ss how their story might look on the page(s) and touch the pages as I retell their story. I encourage drawing, word walls, & partnerships. #ECEChat@TCRWP#writersworkshop
A4 I think the best way to go about this is to find out what your students like. Students will like what they write more and will want to write more if it is about something they are interested in. @barbersclass#barbersclass#ecechat
A4: You need to "hook" them; make it fun. We use a program called Handwriting Without Tears. It incorporates Mat Man as a tool to engage drawing with song. The program uses many songs to follow along with the writing develop stages. #ecechat
A4: choice and voice, one of our teachers has a student who is obsessed with chickens. He's written a small encyclopedia of chicken books for the class, teacher treasures every one. He would hit or run if you asked him to write, now he knows he's a valued author #ECEchat
A4: Fostering a sense that it’s okay to fail is a must. We have to break stigmas of perfection & embrace where they are in their writing journey. I choose materials that allow them to build confidence, like building with loose parts and celebrate them at every turn! #ECEchat
A3: During the month of February we made a Post Office table center & students wrote letters /drawings 2 each other & responded all month. THEY LOVED IT! (Stampers, old envelopes, etc.) #ecechat
A4: Always respect children's efforts. A big part of being a writer is creating the story. Have children tell you about the dramatic play scenarios created in various centers. Write what is said - then reinforce that they were the author of that story. #ecechat
Big news! We’ve extended our exciting partnership with @sesamestreet by offering a collaborative lesson plan that integrates #SEL with #literacy instruction! Check out our blog post for the link. https://t.co/FI7tSIe0Ul
A4: choice and voice, one of our teachers has a student who is obsessed with chickens. He's written a small encyclopedia of chicken books for the class, teacher treasures every one. He would hit or run if you asked him to write, now he knows he's a valued author #ECEchat
#ECEchat A4. If you get excited with them they will write. Showing them praise. Showing that u too make mistakes n even when u don't know how to do something u always try your best. Model model model
A4: Reluctant writers become brave through partnering with us. I love to have them tell you the story as you write. Then celebrate “our” authorship! #ECEchat
A2: They are both a series of steps and stages and we must encourage young writers to get up when they “fall” just as we do with young walkers #ECEchat
A5. Sooo many parts. Sooo much processing. Be patient and don’t push too hard. Students need that time to think, process, decide and then write write write with allllllll the pieces! #ecechat
A5: I feel that as educators we forget all that goes into the laborious work of writing for our young Ss. Often my Firsties complain that their hand and head hurts. We need to listen so we do not push them away from writing. #ecechat
A4: One school published the writings of their students in a bounded book and sold it as a fundraiser. My kndg Ss wrote recipes 4 a cookbook & we use it as a Mother's Day gift. Cute & Hilarious! #ecechat
A4 I often refer to Ss as illustrators & authors; telling Ss it doesn’t have to be spelled perfectly, just want them to write the sounds they hear then giving feedback about this helps; giving Ss choice & making writing meaningful/relevant #ecechat
There is a lot that goes into controlling your body to sit in a chair and put thoughts on paper. It’s easy to take it for granted that kids can put it all together. It’s actually a pretty complex task. #ecechat
A5: I think this ties beautifully with a comment earlier about how we must train the muscles for writing...this is so true, hands, fingers, arms, eyes, thought and so much more goes into the writing process!! Practice, Practice, Practice #ECEchat
A5: This highlights how much work we are asking a child to do - it’s not just picking up a pencil! This is a big step and as Ts we must advocate that Ss are given the time and space to get there! #ECEchat
Big news! We’ve extended our exciting partnership with @sesamestreet by offering a collaborative lesson plan that integrates #SEL with #literacy instruction! Check out our blog post for the link. https://t.co/FI7tSIe0Ul
How powerful is this! A child found his voice because a teacher nurtured his passion & let him write about what he loves! He’s an author and is telling his story! #ECEChat
A4: choice and voice, one of our teachers has a student who is obsessed with chickens. He's written a small encyclopedia of chicken books for the class, teacher treasures every one. He would hit or run if you asked him to write, now he knows he's a valued author #ECEchat
A5 We forget how much is happening for our amazing young writers to do what they do! I try to remember they’re still developing muscles and even still growing bones! #ecechat
A4: we have writing celebration to showcase the writers in our class. We start small and work towards inviting parents and teachers at the school. I have also invited REAL authors like @Donna_Earnhardt to my class to read and talk with my Ss about being an author. #ECEchat
A5: Writing is multi-sensory. It takes practice, time and modeling to help all the pieces to fall into place. Think about that🤔 We spend over 13 years in writing instruction for a student. #ecechat
A4: Developing successful writers is more than teaching children to write the alphabet - it is giving them the opportunity for their brains and their bodies to learn to work as a team! And this is achieved best through lots of movement and child-guided play! #ecechat
A5: For students who don't, for example, have the visual ability to read print, over 30% are categorized as non-readers (not even in the beginning stages by the time they reach high school) That's not okay! If we have Ss who can't use one of those parts, WE need to adapt #ECEchat
A6. Loved the ideas for incorporating writing into the learning centers, as well as ideas for embedding movement into the classroom day. Thanks for all the ideas, everyone! #ECEChat
A5 I think that it is important for growing writers that they are given the tools and knowledge they need in order to grow as writers and to be successful for later in life. @barbersclass#barbersclass#ECEchat
A6: We need to take pictures of how we are incorporating writing daily in our classrooms and tweet them out with the #ECEchat. I learn so much from all of you.
A6: Building a writing center to help teaching the basic skills needed to be successful writers. Writing lists, labeling, making books, writing stories. Can’t wait to get it going! #ecechat
A6: I want to ensure that I am empowering new to the profession ECE with tools, thoughts, ideas, and a PLN for supporting their own professional growth so that Ss will gain and grow and create and be empowered learners!! #ECEchat
We must value every effort of a young writer remembering we’re setting the stage for a child’s trajectory as a writer; empowering this new mode of expression. #ECEchat
A6: I want to be a better listener when my Ss let me know they are tired from writing and learn how to build their writing muscles. I also want to use more Interactive Writing in my classroom. #ECEchat
A6: Continuing to encourage teachers to provide drawing and writing opportunities throughout the day and the classroom - Both teacher-directed and child-guided experiences! #ecechat
A6: I would really like to have a quite time with soft music and flex seating to just let kids draw, write and explore their imagination. Somewhat like upper grades do with reading time. #ecechat
Very true. Students' attitudes about/towards writing develops early. ECE teachers need to make sure young learners' experience with writing is a positive and successful one. #ECEchat
