Writing in the early grades focuses on learning to write complete sentences with proper conventions and then we begin working on descriptive sentences and sequencing.  Children will be expected to learn and write both narrative and expository paragraphs. 

A great way for your child to practice what they are learning in class is to write one sentence about what they are doing at school.  If you start with one sentence, once they have mastered that you can move on to two, etc.  Make sure they begin their sentence with a capital letter and end with a period while capitalizing any proper nouns (names of people, places or things).  As we begin expository and narrative formats, you can have them show you what they are learning at school by writing about things they normally do each day.  

Expository Writing

Expository writing is writing to explain something.  Students are asked to write and explain why they like something or how to do something.  They are asked to give two reasons or two steps to a process.  The format we are looking for looks like this: 

Topic Sentence

First, 
   Detail

Next, 
   Detail

In conclusion,

When we begin teaching students, we only ask for a first and next reason.  As the students master this skill, we begin to teach them elaboration.  We ask that they elaborate on each reason or step.  For example:

I love the beach for two reasons. 
First, I like the sand. 
Next, I like to play in the water. 
In conclusion, I like the beach for two reasons. 

I love the beach for two reasons. 
First, I like the sand.  I love to build sand castles with my brother.
Next, I like to play in the water.  I think it is fun to splash and swim with my friends.
In conclusion, I like the beach for two reasons. 

You can help your child practice the skill of elaboration by asking them to elaborate on things they say.  Ask them why they feel a certain way or why things have to be done a certain way.  This will help them write better!

Spelling

Invented spelling is appropriate for Pre K, K and some of first grade.  The goal is to get your children to write the sounds they hear in any given word.  Have your child practice this skill.  Make it fun and make sure they write every sound they hear!  

There are LOTS of ways kids can practice with you at home.  SpellingCity.com offers games to practice spelling, handwriting worksheets that give the children the opportunity to practice spelling words several times while getting in some extra handwriting practice.  

Search for Simonds and you should find me.  There are a variety of spelling lists that may be different than your child’s reading series, but it is just a great way to help your child practice!  

There are quite a few fun games to help your child practice.  🙂