Labeling the Classroom 

I believe that it is important for teachers to engage students in the classroom environment. At the start of the year I have my students create labels for all of our learning play based centers around the room. Check out the example below!


What is Smarty Writing?

I have been working and revising a daily writing program for FDK I call "Smarty Writing" for the past 4 years.  In a nutshell - what I call "Smarty Writing" is just writing the sounds that we hear in words. Each year I introduce this form of writing to my students and explain that when you write the sounds you hear in words - you are really smart!! Hence the term Smarty Writing!  While each year it has looked a bit different - the philosophy behind the program remains the same.  Modelling and writing EVERY Day in kindergarten supports 3,4 and 5 year olds in becoming independent writers. I built this program on the idea that;


no pressure, no correcting and lots of support both individually and from peers helps to build students confidence in experimenting with and developing writing skills.  


I have seen both JK and SK students come into my classroom not knowing a single sound or recognizing a single letter - yet have watched them leave the program as independent writers. And when I say "independent writers" - what I mean is that they can 'smarty write" a word, a simple sentence or in some cases write 10 to 20 sentences by the end of the year without teacher support!!!  I am fully invested in the program as I have seen the amazing results.  Having taught Grade One for many years , my biggest challenge in September was getting students to experiment with writing independently.  Being caught up on spelling everything correctly, forming the letters perfectly and distinguishing between upper case and lower case create huge blocks for students in becoming an independent writer. Therefore, when given the chance to teach kindergarten I wanted my SK students by the end of the year to be confident in writing a few thoughts independently.  As I taught half day kindergarten for 10 years, it was a challenge to do this daily but taking the opportunity to become a Full Day Kindergarten teacher 4 years ago gave me the chance to set aside time each day dedicated to writing.  And I am not talking about a huge amount of time each day - as a matter of fact - it is only 10 to 15 minutes  - all in at the beginning of the school year!  As the year goes on and students become comfortable with the routines of writing daily - the time may increase depending on what you are working on!