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Student practicing writing

Writing

What is writing? the act of putting thoughts into print. At its most basic level, students must learn the mechanics of encoding, which includes proper letter formation and the accurate matching of sounds to symbols in our alphabet.

New to teaching writing? Start with our handwriting and letter formation skill explainer.

Looking for resources? Explore all of our writing resources below.

Student practicing writing

Handwriting and Keyboarding
skill Explainer
Handwriting and Letter Formation Skill Explainer
Learn how and when to teach this skill, guide student practice, and assess learning.
Writing
Handwriting and Keyboarding
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Handwriting and Letter Formation Skill Explainer
skill Explainer
How to Teach Letter Formation
Learn how to explicitly teach Handwriting and Letter Formation, including introducing and defining the concept. Includes specific resources and examples.
Writing
Handwriting and Keyboarding
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Handwriting and Keyboarding
video
Is handwriting actually important for writing?
Listen to Keys to Literacy Founder Joan Sedita talk about why handwriting is important in the process of learning to write.
Handwriting and Keyboarding
Writing
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Text Composition
video
What are the four stages of the writing process?
Listen to Keys to Literacy Founder Joan Sedita talk about the four stages of writing even young students can use through oral language and drawing.
Writing
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Text Composition
video
How can I motivate young writers?
Keys to Literacy Founder Joan Sedita shares a story about the power of writing to an authentic audience, one way to keep writing students motivated.
Writing
Text Composition
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Text Composition
video
What are mentor texts? And how should I use them to help students improve their writing?
Keys to Literacy Founder Joan Sedita explains how teachers can effectively use “mentor texts” when helping their students learn to write.
Writing
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Text Composition
video
How do I help my students who struggle with writing?
Keys to Literacy Founder Joan Sedita recommends strategies to help students communicate their ideas even when composing words on paper is a challenge.
Writing
Text Composition
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Text Composition
video
What are the two steps of revising writing?
Listen to Keys to Literacy Founder Joan Sedita talk about the two important steps students need to learn in the revision process when writing.
Writing
Text Composition
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Handwriting and Keyboarding
printable
Recognizing and Forming Letters Chart
This free printable resource for teachers is designed to help students build fundamental skills of handwriting.
Writing
Handwriting and Keyboarding
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Handwriting and Keyboarding
printable
Letter Formation Cards
This free printable resource for teachers is designed to help students build fundamental skills of handwriting.
Writing
Handwriting and Keyboarding
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Handwriting and Keyboarding
printable
Letter Formation Student Desk Charts
This free printable resource for teachers is designed to help students build fundamental skills of handwriting.
Writing
Handwriting and Keyboarding
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Handwriting and Letter Formation Skill Explainer
skill Explainer
An Overview of Handwriting and Letter Formation
Learn the fundamentals of teaching handwriting and letter formation.
Writing
Handwriting and Keyboarding
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