Writing Journals and Turn and Talk!

We have introduced a couple of new things in Pre-K! Now, each student has their very own writing journal as we continue to prepare for Kindergarten! In our writing journals, students are encouraged to draw pictures including details using different colors, draw people including all body parts, write their name, practice drawing shapes, letters, numbers or really anything at all! We were super excited about our journals and our new seats!!! This is a great activity to do at home, as well. All you need is a blank notebook and some markers, crayons or color pencils!

If you're wondering, "What is Turn and Talk?", it is a language strategy that involves student interaction by sharing ideas and thinking with another student! After a read aloud or discussion when the students are eagerly raising their hand to share their thoughts, it's a perfect time for a "Turn and Talk". This way, every students gets to share! We learned that when we "Turn and Talk", we sit knees to knees, shoulders to shoulders and eyes to eyes with a partner sitting next to us, just as you see below. The pair now knows they have their partne's full attention and are ready to listen! Then, we take turns sharing our ideas and thoughts AND being a good listener! We did an excellent job practicing this skill for the first time and will have many more opportunities to practice! Kindergarten....we are getting ready for you!!!