Best Practices in the Teaching of Writing - Brevard Public Schools

The Morning Message
Teachers in grades K-2 know the value of the morning meeting. The morning
message is one way to focus the student’s attention on daily writing development.
The morning message is an opportunity for the teacher to write for the student.
Attach a large piece of chart paper to the chalkboard or to a flip chart. Write the
message in a dark colored maker for group reading. Use the message as an important
part of the day’s opening activity or at any other time when a whole group activity
begins.
During the first month of school, teachers should say and write the words as
the students watch and listen. Kindergarten students are not expected to learn to
spell the words, but they will recognize the letter names. Saying the words aloud
reinforces the visual and verbal connection.
Teachers should:
• Tell students to write from left to right.
Say each word, then say each letter one at a time as each is written.
• Tell: Where to place each line of writing.
Count sentences, count words in sentences.
• Show: Capital letters, punctuation.
• Clap the sounds you hear (to-day, is, Mon-day).
• Talk about: How you start and end a message. (“Who remembers how I
start my message each day?”) What happens each day; talk about special
events.
Morning Message Idea Bank:
(Day and Date)
• Hello. Today is Wednesday. It is August 14, 2005.
(Day and Weather)
• Good morning. Today is Thursday. It is rainy today.
(Special day/Student)
• Welcome. Today is Monday. Tyrone is our special student today.
(Birthday)
• Good morning. Today is Tuesday. It is Maria’s birthday.
Adapted from Month-to-Month Reading, Writing, and Phonics for Kindergarten. 2003
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