Balanced Literacy: Independent Writing

Independent Writing

Independent Writing offers students additional opportunities to write.  In order to become proficient writers, students must be provided with many opportunities to write!  During Independent Writing, students continue to practice what they've learned during Modeled/Shared/Guided Writing.  We have two times in our day where students can independently write.  One is while I meet with readers for Guided Reading and conferring, and the other is when we have Writer's Workshop as a class.  During Writer's Workshop, we have a mini lesson, modeled writing (mentor text or teacher write), independent writing time, and share time.  During Writer's Workshop, I confer with students as they work their way through the writing process.  Check out my Writer's Workshop page for mini lesson ideas, lessons, and resources.

In addition to Writer's Workshop, students have a chance to independently write during WRITING OPTIONS, which include the options of WORK ON WRITING and WORD WORK.  This page will focus on WORK ON WRITING.  Visit my WORD WORK page for information about Independent WORD WORK activities.

Students who choose to do WORK ON WRITING for their Writing Options choice visit the writing table.  When there, they self-select an activity.  Mini lessons to support student decision while they work at the writing table are delivered as needed throughout the year.  September consists of MANY mini lessons that help "frontload" students will skills and knowledge needed in order to be successful, independent workers/learners.  Check out my September "First 22 Days" of Reader's/Writer's Workshop Frontloading Mini lesson Plans:   

After September, if I notice too many students doing "art only" projects instead of "writing only" or "writing and art" projects, I will revisit the writing center options and expectations with students.  When at the writing table, students often choose to finish a writing piece they've started during our Writer's Workshop block.  Other times they write cards or letters to classmates and family members.  Paper, writing tools, and art media/tools are all available for students to use creatively.  Our writing center is a very popular place! 

Every once in awhile instead of having students select WORK ON WRITING, I have them choose FINE MOTOR or HANDWRITING  activities.  In Kindergarten, FINE MOTOR  and  HANDWRITING activities can be placed in the WORK ON WRITING area.  However, in 1st Grade I often use these activities in small group or 1:1 teaching situations, when needed. 

Pictures:

 

 

 

Materials:

Anchor Charts - topics, how to, writing options, etc.

Pencils - regular

Pencils - colored

Pens - regular

Pens - eraserable

Pens - gel, glitter, neon

Pencil Sharpener(s)

Markers - thick

Markers - thin

Markers - glitter

Markers - scented

Markers - eraserable

Markers - EXPO

Markers - twistable

Crayons - twistable

Crayons - regular

Crayons - glitter

Crayons - neon

Scissors - funky edges

Scissors - regular

Hole Punch - 1 hole

Hole Punch - 3 holes

Hole Punch Reinforcement Ring Stickers

Stapler(s)

Staples

Brass Fasteners

Glue - liquid

Glue - stick

Tape Dispenser(s)

Tape Dispenser Refill Rolls

Feathers

Eyeballs -googly

Eyeballs - stickers

Craft Sticks - wooden (large and small)

Craft Sticks - colored wooden (large and small)

Craft Sticks - colored foam (large and small)

Foamies Shapes - sticker, non-sticker

Mosaic Tiles

Quilting Tiles

Cotton Balls

Q-Tips

Buttons

Pom Poms

Paper - lined

Paper - unlined

Paper - colored

Paper - storyboard

Paper - construction

Paper - notepads

Paper - cardstock

Paper - grid

Paper - tablets

Clipboards

Whiteboards

Dictionaries

Portable Word Walls - mini offices, thematic words

Unused Label Sheets for Paper Band-Aids

White Out - liquid, tape

Erasers

High Frequency Work Sheets: