Sweet 'N' Sauer Firsties

  • Sweet 'N' Sauer Firsties
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Course
  • Freebies
  • Contact

Primary Writing Checklists – Helping Little Writers Gain Independence

When I think about writing in a first grade classroom, I brace myself for ALL the struggles. We all know them. Very little stamina, struggling to follow the writing process correctly, stating they are “done” when they are absolutely not done, or the timeless saying, “I don’t have anything to write about!”. And then after we jump all of those hurdles, we come to the daunting task of editing so the kids can ACTUALLY be done. But we’re all about growth mindset over here! So instead of struggles, we came up with a solution: Writing Checklists for PRIMARY learners. 

Primary Writing Checklists Blog

Of course giving students tools seems like the most obvious thing to do to help them gain independence. But we absolutely cannot forget the magic behind them: YOU. As we all know, for these tools to become really powerful, we have to take A LOT of time modeling and practicing. In our classroom, at the beginning of the year, we spend a lot of our writing block simply refining what it should look like. We choose topics we have experience or knowledge on to write about. We get our ideas out by brainstorming. We write and we write. We build our stamina and we grow. When it comes time to edit, together with our checklists, we create authentic individual goals to work on to grow and become better writers. I model incorrect pieces so students can help me edit my own so they see exactly how to utilize this resource. I want to let you know I spend WEEKS modeling each specific category. They watch me before they bring their papers to the carpet and then we do it together. The students help each other and then they practice, practice, practice! After long breaks, we spend ample time reviewing how to use these so the students are independent while editing even after being away! While it may sound like a lot, the kids LOVE editing their own writing and of course helping me “fix” my mistakes!

Primary Writing Checklists

Primary Writing Checklists

So let’s dig into all the awesome categories we cover with these checklists when we pull these out during our editing portion of the writing process. The checklists make sure we have looked over our writing for capitals, good spacing, sight words, punctuation, and to make sure everything makes sense before publishing. 

Searching for Capitals

One of the reasons I LOVE using these checklists is because we can really learn about the mechanics of writing and how it helps us as readers! In our classroom, we use green highlighters to search for capitals because who doesn’t love using highlighters?! We highlight correct capitals in our writing, while circling capitals that need to be fixed on our final copy. What an authentic way to learn about capitals and explore more about WHY we use them in our writing. 

Primary Writing Checklists

Spacing

Our finger spaces box gets checked after we make sure our spacing is correct throughout our entire piece. This is a tricky one with littles and takes a LOT of modeling so they don’t have a huge gap between words and call it done because there’s a space. You can check out these fun spacemen I created to help students really understand how much space is needed! You can also grab this freebie by subscribing! 

Primary Writing Checklists

Writing Freebie

Love this FREE resource?

Sight Words

The next item on the list is to check that all of our sight words are spelled correctly. Students are encouraged to use the classroom word wall or their personal word collection notebook/dictionary to check for spelling errors. I am a HUGE proponent of phonetic spelling, especially for primary students. However, when it comes to sight words, I am a big believer in making sure they are spelled right. It also provides great opportunities for students to search for them and practice those recognition skills. It empowers students to use all of their tools to help them. All at once, they get practice searching, recognizing, and spelling sight words. This prepares them so much more when they come across the words in a story to be confident in knowing and understanding that word!

Primary Writing Checklist

Punctuation

The punctuation box brings out our highlighters again! This time we use red/pink highlighters to call attention to correct punctuation and again we circle places where we missed them or used incorrect punctuation. This is another authentic way to learn about different punctuation marks, why they are important, and how they are properly used. It is amazing how much you’ll notice how this particular box on the checklist transcends into your reading instruction. Students begin to notice all kinds of various punctuation when they’re reading and why writers use them. It gets them more excited to use punctuation correctly and read with more prosody because they know what the punctuation mark is for. Talk about a win win!

Primary Writing Checklists

Primary Writing Checklists

Does Our Writing Make Sense?

The last piece of editing before our publishing stage is making sure our writing makes sense. In order to check our “makes sense” box we read our writing OUT LOUD to make sure we and others can understand our writing. I really encourage them to read it out loud because we know what we want to say in our minds, but reading aloud we can really HEAR that we included everything we intended and didn’t make any silly mistakes. It’s also fun to use different voices to engage them, get them excited and motivated to really want to read over their work to check that it all makes sense! 

Primary Writing Checklist

The Power of Peer Editing

These checklists are used for peer AND independent editing and they give students a great resource to ensure they have gone through the writing process completely. This gives us teachers more time to confer one on one with our students. The best part is that they can be used with ANY type of writing and they’re super kid friendly with visuals and words. Oh and did I mention they are available digitally as well as printable versions? It comes in two sizes, one to use for whole or small group lessons, and then individual sizes to give to each student. Of course with a little lamination, these can be used over and over again. They allow for tons of collaboration, academic talk, and they get students into the habit of pushing each other to grow into stronger writers. They are also a life and time saver for us educators during writing time! Peer editing also opens up for TONS of differentiation. The many different ways you can pair and group students for editing can help push your highest students or support your students who need a little extra help. It is amazing to see how students can really help and support one another. But of course how do we get there?  

Peer Editing Peer Editing

We typically begin using the checklist independently to ensure we ALL know how before bringing in peer editing. Does peer editing sound scary in primary? If I’m being honest, I was TERRIFIED when thinking about teaching first graders how to peer edit. However, with the use of these checklists and of course LOTS of modeling and practice… these kids DID NOT disappoint! I was SO impressed at how much better they could push one another compared to getting help from me. Kids have a way of reaching one another better than we can sometimes and it’s powerful when we can recognize and foster that. You can also bet their understanding is at a mastery level when you get to the point of THEM teaching each other all the mechanisms of writing! Let’s empower these little learners and see the amazing things they can do with more independence! 

Peer Editing Peer Editing

Authentic Goal Setting

We know that setting goals and providing feedback has HUGE impacts on student learning and growth. With these checklists, students know exactly the area they need to improve in and can set their OWN goals! Talk about some powerful learning. While students are working, you have MORE time to confer one on one and support students because guess what… They are working on their own! It makes such a difference and feels SO good to get to more students for one on one support. Check out this idea I learned on Instagram. It was also a huge help and great visual for students to see during writing time. It also works great to help keep me on track! 

Writer's Workshop Tools

What Are Teachers Saying?

Teachers tell me over and over again how much this resource has helped transform their students’ writing. Read below some of the wonderful things teachers have to say about these checklists. 

“Great resource! I printed out a copy for each student to have on their desk to refer back to and created a larger scale one to have available for them to see in the classroom. A great way for them to self correct their writing.” 

“Love this checklist! I use the mini templates in small group/ my writing center.  The larger templates stay on my board for us to refer back to when writing!! A must have!”

“Perfect visual to send home with students to utilize during distance learning or to include on daily slides! Thank you!” 

“This is a great resource for editing in the primary grades!  Very user-friendly!”

“Love the great visuals with the easy to understand checklist. ”

“I love using these when my students are peer editing. It helps them pay better attention to their writing.”

“Super simple writing checklist to use with 1st graders. They were able to use it to help with their writing.”

“Love the format of these!! Thank you!!”

“I LOVE this resource.  It is a helpful reminder for my students when they are writing.  The checklist is fun.”

“Great visual reminder for students and helps to build self-monitoring skills during writing.”

Other Writing Resources 

Below you’ll see some of the other writing resources I love to use during writing. These are all GROWING bundles! I’ve also begun creating digital writing resources for distance learning! Some more ideas coming soon are writing process lessons and teaching hooks print and digital lessons! Learn more about the print and digital bundles by clicking on the pictures.

 Writing Checklist

Primary Writing Rubrics

Small Moment Writing

Small Moment Writing

opinion writing for first grade

Opinion Writing

writing resources growing bundle

Writing Resources Growing Bundle

Digital Writing Resources 

Digital Primary Writing Checklists

Digital Primary Writing Checklists

Digital Writing Rubric

Digital Primary Writing Rubrics

Digital Small Moment Writing

Digital Small Moment Writing

digital opinion writing

Digital Opinion Writing

digital writing resources growing bundle

Digital Writing Resources Growing Bundle

I really hope you enjoyed learning more about these writing checklists and how to make it fun and enjoyable not only for the students, but for you as well!  Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list! Not only will you get the most up to date tips, tricks, and classroom projects… and of course more fun FREEBIES including Spaceman Writing Spacers FREEBIE! But you will also have exclusive access to tons of digital how to videos! If you would like to learn about this and other things happening in my classroom follow me  @sweetnsauerfirsties on Instagram.

To follow me on TPT and get all the latest updates on HALF OFF new products, click HERE!

sweetnsauerfirsties

Love these ideas but don’t want to lose them? Don’t forget it, PIN it below!

Spread the Love

44
Shares

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

«
»

Classroom Management, Resources, Teachers Pay Teachers, Teaching 0

Newsletter

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe via Email

About This Site

A fun place to be apart of the educational journey. Full of all things teaching! The good, the bad, and even the ugly. Join my experiences and subscribe to my email list to get the most up to date tips and tricks.

Search

Categories

Latest on Instagram

Is it just me or does spring fever hit HARD in Mar Is it just me or does spring fever hit HARD in March for your students too?! 🙋‍♀️

You’ll love my newest blog post that dives into 10 fun, engaging, and EASY tips to tackle spring fever and thrive for the rest of the school year! 

If you subscribe, you’ll have exclusive access to a must have classroom management FREEBIE!

Be on the lookout all week for TONS of fun ideas... I’ve got you COVERED! 🥳
{🔗 on profile}
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #classroomfun #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #teachingtips #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #teacherinspiration #teacherhacks #teacherblogger #teacherblog #classroommanagement
Have you ever tried making a clock with students b Have you ever tried making a clock with students before? ⏰

Learn how to now in quick easy steps and save this post for later!

Want to learn more engaging telling time activities? Check out the blog post now with the link on my profile or drop a ⏰ and I’ll share the link!
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers #teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #makelearningfun #igconnect4edu #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #mathfun #classroomfun #math #teachingtips #teacherhacks #firstgrademath #tellingtime
I absolutely love this quote! How are you spendin I absolutely love this quote!

How are you spending your Sunday? 🥰

Image credit @kathleenskindergarten 
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #teacherselfcare  #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherfun #teachersonbreak
Are you enjoying March Madness?! 🏀 Bring some Are you enjoying March Madness?! 🏀

Bring some of that fun into your classroom with this new engaging and editable activity!

Students have a blast and practice skills.. what’s better than that?!

Check out this fun activity now with the link on my profile or drop a 🏀 and I’ll share the link!
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #phonics 
 #igconnect4edu #kindergarten #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #phonicsfun #classroomfun #mathcenters #studentengagement #mathgames #makelearningfun
Are you guilty of using math fact flashcards, time Are you guilty of using math fact flashcards, timed tests, or online programs for math facts?

I know I am! I’ll tell you I’ve tried ALL the things and they STILL couldn’t seem to build fluency with those facts. So what do you do when you feel you’ve tried everything and nothing works?

I’ll tell you! I just finished reading Math Fact Fluency and I would HIGHLY recommend it. 

We MUST support them with the strategies and concrete learning before we head to the abstract part of solving equations fluently. 

But how do we help our little mathematicians develop the skills they need to become fluent with those essential math facts? It comes in phases. 

Check out my newest post now about how to not only help your students master those important math facts but also help them develop a deep understanding of addition and subtraction and build a toolbox that will help them thrive! 

Check it out now with the link on my profile or drop a 🤩 and I’ll share the link!
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #teacherhacks #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherreels #primaryteacher #firstgrademath #teachertruth #teachershare
Let’s have a little would you rather fun! This Let’s have a little would you rather fun! 

This one is a toughy but... I think I would rather have every Friday off! 

Which one would you rather? Drop yours below! ⬇️

Image credit @theteachernextdoor 
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #tftpickme #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherfun #teachersonbreak
It’s #tptfreebie Friday! This week has been ALL It’s #tptfreebie Friday! This week has been ALL about ⏰! 

So of course I’m bringing you some fun hands on freebies to celebrate! 🎉 

If you haven’t, check out the blog for more fun ideas AND more freebies! Grab this SWEET freebie now with the link on my profile or drop a ⏰ and I’ll share the link! 
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #playbasedlearning #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #handsonmath #primaryteacher #mathcenters #mathgames #tellingtime
Have you ever tried a math around the room activit Have you ever tried a math around the room activity? 

They are SO much fun and students get to practice great skills!

Some of the benefits are 
⏰ Movement 
⏰ Hands On 
⏰ Practice for Key Skills 

Learn more about this Telling Time Write the Room activity now with the link on my profile or drop a ⏰ and I’ll share the link!
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers #teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #makelearningfun #igconnect4edu #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #mathfun #classroomfun #math #teachingtips #tellingtime #firstgrademath #handsonmath
Anything else you’re adding to the list for this Anything else you’re adding to the list for this weekend?!

Image credit @reallygoodstuff 
•
•
•
•

#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #teachershare 
 #igconnect4edu #teacherssupportteachers #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #classroomfun #teacherinspiration #teacherselfcare #teacherquotes

Latest on Facebook

Lindsay Sauer

13 hours ago

Lindsay Sauer
Is it just me or does spring fever hit HARD in March for your students too?! 🙋‍♀️You’ll love my newest blog post that dives into 10 fun, engaging, and EASY tips to tackle spring fever and thrive for the rest of the school year! If you subscribe, you’ll have exclusive access to a must have classroom management FREEBIE!Be on the lookout all week for TONS of fun ideas... I’ve got you COVERED! 🥳{🔗 on profile}••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #classroomfun #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teachingtips #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #teacherinspiration #teacherhacks #teacherblogger #teacherblog #classroommanagement ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Lindsay Sauer

1 day ago

Lindsay Sauer
I absolutely love this quote!How are you spending your Sunday? 🥰Image credit @kathleenskindergarten ••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teacherselfcare #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherfun #teachersonbreak ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Lindsay Sauer

2 days ago

Lindsay Sauer
Are you enjoying March Madness?! 🏀Bring some of that fun into your classroom with this new engaging and editable activity!Students have a blast and practice skills.. what’s better than that?!Check out this fun activity now with the link on my profile or drop a 🏀 and I’ll share the link!••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #phonics #igconnect4edu #kindergarten #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #phonicsfun #classroomfun #mathcenters #studentengagement #mathgames #makelearningfun ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Lindsay Sauer

2 days ago

Lindsay Sauer
Let’s have a little would you rather fun! This one is a toughy but... I think I would rather have every Friday off! Which one would you rather? Drop yours below! ⬇️Image credit @theteachernextdoor ••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #tftpickme #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherfun #teachersonbreak ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Lindsay Sauer

3 days ago

Lindsay Sauer
It’s #tptfreebie Friday! This week has been ALL about ⏰! So of course I’m bringing you some fun hands on freebies to celebrate! 🎉 If you haven’t, check out the blog for more fun ideas AND more freebies! Grab this SWEET freebie now with the link on my profile or drop a ⏰ and I’ll share the link! ••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #playbasedlearning #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #handsonmath #primaryteacher #mathcenters #mathgames #tellingtime ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Latest on Pinterest

  • If you love hands on math activities for missing addends, you have come to the right place! The CRA math model is always where I start my lesson planning. I love this math workshop model for my first grade students. My early elementary students enjoy hula hoop math activities, hands on manipulatives, missing addends activities, and more. These can easily be used for math whole group, math small group, math centers, morning work, and fast finishers.
  • You may be thinking about end of the year activities for students but don’t forget to get your classroom organized before you leave for the summer! Today, I’m sharing my 5 teacher tips on what to do before you leave for the summer. A teacher organization hack is to make a list of all of the important things that you need to remember like passwords or where things are stored. Get your classroom organized, clean, and prep for the first week of school. Check out more end of the year teacher tips!
  • If you are looking for some new ways to help your classroom management in your elementary classroom, I got some great teacher tips for you! Today I’m sharing my top 10 classroom management must haves. Visual aids, attention getters, and classroom expectations are essential for elementary students. Another classroom management strategy is nonverbal communication. Don’t forget to have a good daily classroom plan. Check out my best classroom management ideas!
  • Are you looking for some engaging ways to teach your elementary students time? Today, I will share my best teacher tips on how to tell time for kids. I love doing hands on activities with Judy clocks, creating clocks for kids with hula hoops, and human clocks. Check out my tips for teaching time to the hour and teaching time to the half hour. My early elementary students do a great job practicing time with time check activities, time hunt, write the room activities, time games, and time bingo.
  • Are you even a teacher if you don’t know a lot of attention getters for kids? Today, I’m sharing my favorite attention getters for teachers to use in their elementary classroom. This classroom management strategy is essential to make your classroom run smoothly. You will find my top 10 elementary attention getters that your students will quickly learn. I have also included some great teacher tips on classroom management ideas for the early elementary classroom.
  • Are you even a teacher if you don’t know a lot of attention getters for kids? Today, I’m sharing my favorite attention getters for teachers to use in their elementary classroom. This classroom management strategy is essential to make your classroom run smoothly. You will find my top 10 elementary attention getters that your students will quickly learn. I have also included some great teacher tips on classroom management ideas for the early elementary classroom.
  • Are you even a teacher if you don’t know a lot of attention getters for kids? Today, I’m sharing my favorite attention getters for teachers to use in their elementary classroom. This classroom management strategy is essential to make your classroom run smoothly. You will find my top 10 elementary attention getters that your students will quickly learn. I have also included some great teacher tips on classroom management ideas for the early elementary classroom.
  • You may be thinking about end of the year activities for students but don’t forget to get your classroom organized before you leave for the summer! Today, I’m sharing my 5 teacher tips on what to do before you leave for the summer. A teacher organization hack is to make a list of all of the important things that you need to remember like passwords or where things are stored. Get your classroom organized, clean, and prep for the first week of school. Check out more end of the year teacher tips!
  • If you love hands on math activities for missing addends, you have come to the right place! The CRA math model is always where I start my lesson planning. I love this math workshop model for my first grade students. My early elementary students enjoy hula hoop math activities, hands on manipulatives, missing addends activities, and more. These can easily be used for math whole group, math small group, math centers, morning work, and fast finishers.

Copyright © 2023 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs

 

Loading Comments...