Early Language & Literacy KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Early Language and Literacy KnowledgeBase is an online resource supporting language and literacy development in early learners from birth through age eight. Its focus is to support parents and caregivers in helping early learners with their language and literacy development, and teachers in enhancing their instruction for early learners from pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3.

Task 1: Intentional Instruction of Writing Skills

Guideline: The intentional instruction of writing skills addresses the conventions of writing, handwriting and purposes for writing. Each of these components supports developing fluency in writing among early learners. This task provides educators of early learners with resources aimed at buidling writing skills among early learners.

resources

TOOLS

ReadWriteThink

This link is to ReadWriteThink, a partnership between the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the Verizon Foundation. This website includes lessons (by grades, title or literacy connection), student materials and resources.

Writer's Workshop

The Writer's Workshop at the Teachers First website is an interdisciplinary writing technique aimed at building students' fluency in writing. Elements of the Writer's Workshop cover Kindergarten, grades 1-3 and continue through sixth grade.

REFERENCES

Components of Effective Writing Instruction

This article by Louise Spear-Swerling identifies the components of effective writing instruction from kindergarten to Grade 4.

Helping Children Learn to Write

This resource from the National Writing Project provides guidance for parents as they help their children improve their writing.

Helping Young Children Develop Strong Writing Skills

This article from the Colorin Colorado website "provides some reasons that writing is an important skill for people of all ages, as well as a list of suggestions that will help your child become a stronger writer."

Learning to Write and Draw

This link to the Zero to Three website reviews the developmental stages associated with young children learning to write and draw.

The Importance of Writing with Young Children

This Eastern Michigan University senior honors thesis authored by a Melissa Woods explores the importance of writing with young children through reviewing the research and describing a practical application.