I enjoy reading children’s words.
Deciphering, decoding, and discussing their work gives me joy. A piece of writing also sends me a snapshot of what is going on inside a young writer’s busy brain. I learn more when I ask questions like: how do you feel about your title, ideas, organization, word choice, and sentence fluency?
When I conference with a child I feel as though I hit a lottery of dialogue. The wealth of information gathered from the conference and content is well worth the time spent studying the bonuses and deficiencies of the teaching/learning loop.
Writing is an authentic work sample to measure the simulation of language and a direct format to assess. By using a 4 point rubric to measure growth and development, we can easily focus on the status of a child’s writing development. This strategy is the best method to gather data and help children take the next steps in the writing process.
Here is a generic 4 point rubric to assess your child’s work with a 4 advanced proficient and a 1 not proficient.
4
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the writing prompt
Maintains consistent point of view, focus and organizational structure (paragraphing)
Ideas are presented clearly with relevant facts, details and explanations
Use of various types of sentences (questions, statements, dialogue)
Contains few capitalization, punctuation, grammatical or spelling errors
3
Mostly maintains consistency in the above criteria (all the elements are in place, but lacks powerful vocabulary, figurative language, and strong voice)
2
Somewhat addresses the criteria for a 4, but without consistency.
1
Little or no evidence of the criteria of a 4.
Do not fret. Start modeling the writing process with your child. Children will always learn best when writing with frequency. One of my favorite activities is to write alongside a child. They get so excited watching their ideas spring to life on paper. When I capture that kind of excitement, I know my mission is met.
Observe the joy of your child, write it down together, and keep it forever.
Tomorrow starts today.
Cindy
What are some activities you do to promote writing with your child?
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Great ideas, Cindy!
Before my daughter could write, she used me as a writing slave, dictating everything I had to write under the comic book illustrations she’d done, pages and pages of them. I kept them all and I’m so glad I did. She had a real frustration hiccup when she started being able to write by herself but couldn’t express herself as quickly on paper as she wanted to, but this method helped the transition period. What also helped was letting her make up stories on a cassette recorder, and later, performing her own wee monologue on a camcorder.
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Janice: I enjoy the sentimental memories you share. It is encouraging and keeps me mindful to absorb every moment of the writing process. Your daughter is so fortunate to have a mum so dedicated to expression in all forms and forums. Sweet.
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