Meaning Matters

3 Reasons Beyond the Common Core to Have Young Children Write Non-Fiction 

The Common Core has placed a strong emphasis on the use of non-fiction in the classroom. Now learners of all ages need
 to become acquainted with the structures and features of informational texts, 
both as readers and as writers. More recently I have made an extended effort to explore non-fiction writing with my kindergarten children. I see many reasons, beyond the Common Core, ...

Meaning Matters Storytelling With Dictation is an innovative classroom practiced designed to bridge the gap between students' oral language abilities and their independent writing. It is based on the understanding that in order to be a proficient writer, a child must have solid oral language skills. Factors such as fine motor development and phonics knowledge limit young children’s writing, yet their oral language skills are far more advanced. Meaning Matters St...

Writing: Moving Beyond Capitals And End Marks

Written by Kim Turgeon

What makes a fabulous beginning writer? What skills do we hope to see our youngest writers transfer into their own writing?

Beginning last year I decided to dedicate a scheduled time specifically for oral language development in my classroom. I hoped that by devoting time to language development that was separate from writing workshop, I would see the benefits pay off in children’s indepen...