Most days after lunch we have writing, when children become authors and have an opportunity to share their stories.  Children have been writing about any topic they choose, but if they feel stuck for ideas I encourage them to write about what they know, which most often is a personal experience. At this point they begin with a picture to convey their story and then an attempt to add letters or words.  This might be labeling pictures or writing sentences.  Often this means just making strings of letters and I need lots of help interpreting what they say, but my experience is the more children try on their own, the faster they will grow as writers, even if it just seems to be random letters (if you are scribing for your child at home that is fine). As they grow as writers, children will naturally be in many different places and grow at different rates.  We talk a lot about just trying, even if it's not perfect, and the critical role practice plays in getting better at anything. At this point it is most important that children recognize that they have stories to tell and writing is a fantastic way to share them.  

As we learn more and more letters and sounds, they will make their way into students' writing.  I encourage them to say words slowly and write any sounds they think they hear in a word.  We are also working on leaving spaces between words.  When children start writing beginning sounds of words, very often with a quick look at their picture I can read what they wrote without any help - this is very exciting when it happens!

We have been working on writing multiple pages about one topic, trying to add more detail and establishing the notion that authors often work on a piece of writing over multiple sessions.  When a child has at least 3 pages with pictures and words about a connected topic they can put a colorful cover on them and make a book.  This is very inspiring for some children.  

We always take time to share at the end of writing, which is a wonderful way to inspire each other and spread ideas and strategies.