the Mother Goose Time Emergent Writing Tools

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          Since I started College, (cough, cough 15 years ago), I have noticed that coloring books, work books and work sheets have gotten a bad rap. They have also been used and abused by many a teacher. But I think it is important that as children are exposed to different types of print that coloring books, work books and work sheets can be helpful.
Now it’s very important to understand that there needs to be a balance when using these types of tools in the classroom. Many times, teachers will lean too heavily on these tools. Which is why I think there has been such an aversion for some states about their use in the early childhood classroom. Banning their total use though is just a disservice. Here are the reasons and ways that emergent writing tools from Mother Goose Time.

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Two different examples of skill levels in the journal.

1. Post Cards- The post cards are a great tool because they can be used to teach about the mail system every month. Introducing addressing letters and asking for them to use their imaginations to “write” about what they are learning.

      Assessment uses- This is something that can be kept in their portfolio. As children become older their drawing changes. This is a good way to figure out if they are ready for the introduction of other writing skills.

1. Name Tags- I have found that teaching children how to write their names is a good way to teach letter recognition and to help them learn how to write their letters. The key to using this tool, is to not stress the child out about if they are writing their name. You write their name somewhere they can see it or put it on dotted lines. You want the progression of them developing the skill to be natural.
   1. Assessment uses- This can be put into the portfolio. The name tags will be used as another way to assess readiness for the introduction of writing. When the letters of their first name can be seen, you can then add the last name.
2. Journal- The journal is filled with the important skills that children will need while in Kindergarten. I consider this the most important book because this combines the first two writing emergent work papers. With this book, again the focus should not be on the finished product, it should be on the journey. Does the child follow the dots to create letters? Does the child copy the letters? Do they ask questions about what is going in the book? Are they paying attention to the pictures or attempting to create their own stories? These questions are very important because the answers will help you and the parents prepare them for school.
   1. Assessment uses- This is the one I would recommend for the portfolio for the month. Because it would cover everything that is needed for the month and paints a clear picture without having so much inside the portfolio. Especially since parents love to take art work home with them.

I have been using Mother Goose Time for the last 6 years. During that time I have been part of the group that has been very much against using worksheets or any other medium that have anything on them for preschoolers. As I gained more experience as a preschool teacher I began to realize that I grew up with these worksheets and they provided a valuable way for me to see other text right in front of me. What needs to be addressed is HOW we use it and what we expect children to do with them.
Live long and keep teaching!
Ms. Tessie
I am provided Mother Goose Time Curriculum for an honest review. ​