narrative writing checklist

An inspiring colleague of mine recently shared how he invites the students he works with to compose their own writing checklists. Checklists are helpful tools and it's important to teach children how to use a checklist as they prepare for publication. But, checklists within a program often hold little meaning. If we want students to be invested in their work, they need to have voice in their learning.

So, to encourage independence and student voice, the Kindergarteners worked together to create their own writing checklist! Their checklist is an authentic demonstration of their learning; What is essential for you to know when writing a true story?

This experience has been a powerful part of their publishing process. I photographed their checklist and included visual examples from their writing. Every child used the checklist with little support, because they wrote it. It was important to them and I trusted their application of knowledge and understanding.

I am continuously reminded of the power in teachers stepping back. We must provide students with authentic and meaningful opportunities to take initiative of their learning. We must listen more; observe, document, and revisit. We must be learners alongside our students.

The narrative writing checklist the children created met essential criteria; structure, development, and language conventions. We continued to reference their checklist throughout the week, using it as a guide for giving feedback and sharing noticings.

Look for pictures of the children's final drafts and the sharing of their work with the 1st and 2nd graders in the coming days!