During writing, children have been working on stretching words to write as many sounds as they can.  Using this strategy and their knowledge of letter sounds, students are able to write independently and I am often able to read their writing.  This is a really exciting step and they have been extremely focused during writing time.  I told them I can almost hear their brains churning as they think about the sounds they hear and write the corresponding letters.   The class has also been doing a wonderful job of helping each other.  Sometimes it's easier to hear the sounds as a classmate stretches the word and helping a friend is a fantastic way to learn.

As they grow as writers, children are naturally in many different places.  Some are writing just first sounds  and maybe finishing one sentence in a writing block while others are able to finish multiple pages.  We had a conversation about the importance of not comparing ourselves to classmates, but working hard wherever we are and trying to grow a bit more as writers each day.  We imagined that it was exactly five years ago, and I guessed that at least a couple of children would have been speed crawling, if not walking, while a couple more may have just learned to sit up, and some would have just learned to lift their heads independently.  But now watching them run around on the playground these differences are unapparent.  Acquisition of literacy skills is very developmental and all of the kindergarteners are really excited about becoming writers.