Are you needing information and activities for writing stations? Do you want to learn more about Creating Successful Writing Stations For Little Learners? Keep reading to discover answers to these important questions.
Importance of Writing Stations
Writing stations provide little learners with a variety of activities to improve their writing skills. As educators, we recognize that independent practice is essential for gaining mastery in any academic skill. However, writing can be a daunting task, even for adults. Writing stations are implemented to make this practice more meaningful, interactive, and enjoyable. They offer a variety of activities that are specifically designed to reinforce previously taught skills and allow little learners to practice writing in a fun and engaging way. Here are a few reasons why writing stations are vital:
- They help your little learners develop their fine motor skills by practicing writing with different tools such as pencils, markers, and crayons.
- Writing stations encourage creativity and imagination as your students are given the freedom to express themselves in their own unique way.
- They promote literacy skills by encouraging your little learners to practice writing words and sentences, and by providing access to books and other reading materials.
- Writing stations can also help your students develop important social skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving as they work with their peers.
- Check out “SOR Writing Station Activities For Little Learners” for more.
Creating an Optimal Writing Station in Your Classroom
Creating a writing station is easy and can be done anywhere in the classroom. Whether you have a small table with chairs, beanbags or other seating options, you can set up a designated area for writing. If your classroom is limited on space, clipboards can be provided with the activity, and your students can sit comfortably on the floor. In my classroom, I utilized a small table that could seat two students, along with flexible seating options. (See “The Key Benefits Of Flexible Seating“.) This allowed for independent work or partner practice, making the most of the space available.
Make sure to have all the necessary supplies at the writing station table. Consider using a simple caddy filled with crayons, glue, scissors, dry erase markers and erasers (felt works well too), pencils (Ticonderoga, holographic pencils can be used as fancy incentives for final drafts), and various types of paper (lined, plain, and fancy paper).
I believe in personal choice for little learners. Therefore, having 3-4 different activities in the writing station is imperative. Even though you as the teacher choose which activities go into the station, your little learners get to choose the activity they wish to complete. They are much more likely to complete the task and be more engaged when they have a choice. Be sure to only include activities that your students have been previously introduced to. Make sure to model and demonstrate each activity before adding them to the station. Aim for a mix of newly introduced, year-long, and differentiated activities to keep things fresh and challenging. While the activities can change weekly, some may remain in the station for the year. With approximately 15 minutes for station activities, your little learners will have ample time for purposeful practice. Remember, practice makes progress!
Writing Station Activities
Here are some activities that have worked well at my writing stations. Keep in mind that switching out some of the activities each week can keep things fresh and exciting.
Beginning of School Year
- Self-Portrait— This is one of the first activities of the year for little learners. Not only is this a **FREEBIE** but perfect for explicit instruction. First model on chart paper–be explicit–2 eyes, shape of face, nose, mouth, 2 ears, eye brows, eyelashes, color, etc. Next day, move on to body along with shapes–oval, rectangle, circles. Finally-create setting. We do not float in space–need something to stand on. This can be used now and later when setting is introduced and practiced.
- Alphabet Journal–a **FREEBIE** resource that provides your little learners with a productive activity while allowing you as the teacher to focus on the whole group during alphabet circle maps.
- Writing Journal–Having your students write or draw in a journal each month encourages personal expression and provides writing practice. This **FREEBIE** monthly cover label is perfect for journals. The Primary Writing Paper **FREEBIE** is perfect for the journals as well. Just download, print and enclose between 2 pieces of construction paper. Staple and cover staples with tape to prevent injuries to fingers and clothes. Add the cover label and Voila!!! You have a montly journal for your writing station for purposeful practice.
- I Can Write A List–I love introducing list writing with the book “Wallace’s List“. Students can then write lists of names, candy, etc.
- Laminate Name/Picture Cards— **FREEBIE** Students love seeing their names and those of their friends in writing. Take it up a notch by laminating their names and pictures and attaching them to a binder ring. This simple trick is not only fun, but it also helps to elevate engagement at the writing station. Perfect addition to I Can Write A List.
- Candy Writing–This Teachers Lounge**FREEBIE** is perfect for Oct or Feb when your little learners are very much aware of candy. Just sign up for **FREEBIE**, download, print, laminate card and add to binder ring. Your kindergarteners will love this list writing activity!!
Year Long Activities
- Magna Doodle Writing Cards– This is a fun, engaging and meaningful beginning sound, upper and lower-case letter writing station activity.
- Character & Setting Cards for Beginning Writers— These story element cards are an excellent way to introduce little learners to the significance of characters and settings in stories. Use them to facilitate group activities like sorts and guess again, or print them out for your students to paste into their drawing journals. For more ideas, check out my blog post HERE.
- Beginning Labeling– Have your students draw a picture then label each item with the beginning letter.
- Label a Picture–Labeling is a fundamental skill little learners must master before they can begin writing sentences. It is crucial to explicitly teach and model this skill, followed by providing your students with many opportunities to practice it intentionally. This seasonal and themed activity is an excellent way to get started.
- Letter Writing–Have your little learners write letters along with address the envelope to friend, family, or teacher. Make sure to have all of the necessary and fun supplies for this activity.
- Postcards–This is another fun and purposeful writing station activity.
- Label A Sticker–Another **FREEBIE** from Teachers Lounge that can be kept in writing station all year long. Your little learners will love this!!
- Cut Build & Write a Sentence–This comprehensive activity includes pocket chart cards and cut, build, glue, and write practice pages. With enough material to last the entire year, it’s the perfect addition to your writing station.
Themed Activities
- Recipe Card Writing–Another **FREEBIE** writing activity. After making applesauce in the classroom, model recipe writing on an anchor chart and have your little learners follow on their cards. (See “Applesauce in the Classroom” for more.)
By creating fun and engaging writing stations, you can help your little learners develop their writing skills while promoting creativity, literacy, and social development.
