My flashback is to a post I made in November 2012
'Work on Writing' has been an amazing addition to how we work in our Literacy Block. Our Preps have enjoyed the independence that this creates and the writing that is produced is amazing.
As outlined in 'Daily 5' it is important that our students know what their role is and what our role is. They need to know what the teacher does to understand why we confer and why they cannot interrupt that important time - as their time will come too! We make these anchor charts together and it makes a real difference to how learning occurs.
As stamina increases for writing and the urgency of writing takes place the atmosphere changes. These examples are from students who have been at school for only 9 months.
The set up of the room is important. If you want independent writers they must know where the anchor charts are and where all the equipment is kept.
We have a shared meeting space where the timetable is kept, groups are listed and tasks are identified for students.
Our Preps are able to choose how to write using a variety of formats. We provide some proformas like alphabet keys, rainbow words and checklists to extend and challenge our writers.
Our checklists are for point of need, so each cohort group has a colour and there are different expectations for each group. Our Preps know which is 'best fit' for them and will check what they need to do and work independently.
We also have books in our book stand that are waiting for authors. Children take a book that interests them and plan by drawing a picture, writing, read to someone to get feedback and then make changes if needed. While they are working on them they stay in their locker.
Here are some examples of writing from our learning space.
I know I have said this on a number of occasions - I love my workplace. 
This has meant many hours of work, applying for funding external to our school, planning, meetings, buying goods and getting sponsors. AMAZING!
These lovely paintings have been done by our Preps (5 year olds) and are the culmination of the hard work by one of our Prep teachers. 
As we walk around this sensory space we see huge mushrooms, lady birds and plants that we love and care for.
Our last staff meeting for the term was this afternoon.
As outlined in 'Daily 5' it is important that our students know what their role is and what our role is. They need to know what the teacher does to understand why we confer and why they cannot interrupt that important time - as their time will come too! We make these anchor charts together and it makes a real difference to how learning occurs. 
The set up of the room is important. If you want independent writers they must know where the anchor charts are and where all the equipment is kept. 
Our checklists are for point of need, so each cohort group has a colour and there are different expectations for each group. Our Preps know which is 'best fit' for them and will check what they need to do and work independently. 
