In the last couple of weeks we have become prolific writers.  Most children are now writing independently, "stretching" words or saying them very slowly and writing the sounds they hear, even if it is just the first sound.   We have also worked on leaving spaces between words, which makes a huge difference when we read what is written.  It is very exciting for students when they show me what they have written and I can read it back to them without clarification - spaces between words makes all the difference.  During writing time there is a quiet buzz of children sounding out words, helping each other, and proudly sharing their work. While choice time is probably the favorite time of day, writing is a close second and when it is over there are often groans of disappointment, with many children choosing to continue writing during choice time.  This is an extremely engaged bunch of writers!