Today my Preps were given their first independent journal writing book. I could see the excitement… and apprehension on their faces. We talked about ‘having a go’, thinking about the sounds they could hear in words, looked at the alphabet tool card and revisted what a sentence, word and letter is.
We talked about riding their bikes and how they had to practise. Some still had training wheels and others didn’t, but if they practised they’d get better and better. I always tell them that I’ve been writing a long time and I’m still learning and getting better. This impressed them!
So knowing that they were going to have plenty of practise and that I would write out their sentence when they’d finished, every child had a go. I was impressed by their first efforts.
Cheers Nina
Nina Davis: Teaching & Learning in Australia 
Thanks for the push I needed to start journal writing with my preps. Sometimes you just need to know that your not alone. My Preps from last year loved uisng their spaces. I asked
them to pretend you have a big piece of bubblegum in your mouth and as you sound out letters stretch the sound out like you can stretch bubblegum, they all sit around stretching sounds and pretending to pull gum from their mouths.
Hi Julie,
I really do understand! Each year I teach Prep, I stand back and think ‘wow’, I’ve forgotten how young and so little they are. This group have settled well, and many are the 2nd or 3rd child in the family to come to school. I’m sure this makes a difference. They know the school environment.
It hasn’t been too hot, and that’s helping too. They’re keen to write and I’m pleased if they just ‘have a go’ at the moment. I’m using the collective knowledge of the group at the moment as our daily focus and sharing the pen for a shared sentence. I’ve found this helps…. as they each know something.
I like your bubblegum idea. I have a hand signal for ‘i’ , and try to match a sound with something relevant to their world e.g what do you say when you see a packet of M&M’s – ‘mmmmm’ and it works.
I think all teachers would benefit from teaching a Prep class. I find it a rewarding and challenging year.
Thanks for leaving a comment, and keep in contact.
Cheers Nina