Hello friends!
The snow has started here in the North! Yesterday was my
birthday, and I can’t think of a better birthday present than a white, fluffy,
snowy scene out my window.
Today I want to give a quick shout out to a website I was
introduced to last week. But first, the story of why this website is so
valuable:
I have noticed a trend with my kindergarten kids that those
who can write their name, write it backwards. Every single one of them who can
write their name, do so backwards. It was an interesting revelation. So,
straight away I started brainstorming ways to A) teach the kids who couldn’t
write their name how to, and B) fix the backwards habits of my name-writing
kids.
I started a few strategies, such as name pyramids, sand
writing, sticker writing, and gel bag writing (I’ll touch on these techniques
at some other time), but I just wasn’t getting the message through. Then the
grade 1/2 teacher told me about handwritingworksheets.com.
This website allows you to create dot-letter words in three
different styles: print, cursive, or d’nealian. It allows you to set the font
size, the line and font colour, and the degree of difficulty (dot letters,
starting dot only, or a combination of the two). It also lets you select different
templates for single word, sentence, or paragraph length passages.
Using this website, I created a dot letter template card for
each of my kids. I included a dot letter line, and a blank line for them to try
their name on their own. I laminated these cards so they can be reused over and
over.
Now, every day before our first circle, the kids find their
dot name card, and use a overhead marker to trace the dots and try their name
on their own. Some kids are faster than others, some are neater, and some just
do it to get it over with.
Whatever the motivation or level of success, I have seen a
marked improvement in every student in the class. Those who couldn’t write
their name at all are now attempting to make their mark on their papers. Those
who were making their mark are now forming more accurate letters. Those who
could write their name, but did so backwards, are now writing their name
properly and legible. It’s the biggest success I’ve seen so far this year.
As the year progresses, I will be using this website to make
sight word cards and other words of interest. The great thing about this site
is its versatility. If you notice a word or phrase the kids are particularly
interested in, it takes a quick hop onto the internet and a printer to
instantly make writing practice sheets in order to capitalize on that interest.
Inquiry based learning, dot-letter style.
Now for my Northern picture of the week:
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