Demystifying the Common Core in Kindergarten Writing

Abstract

Having a set of standards, whether they are common core or state standards, appropriate for kindergarten children is a concern raised by many early childhood educators and parents. Given that at this point and time standards are recognized by many other stakeholders as a way of ensuring children are ready for the future, it is time to further investigate ways to infuse standards into the curriculum in an appropriate way. The developmental appropriateness, and the planning, implementation, and assessment techniques of the curriculum are key to meeting the standards. The article focuses on writing as one example of providing an environment where children can work at their own developmental level. Teachers must be knowledgeable about development, appropriate activities, and the fundamentals of literacy. Samples of kindergarten writing are used to illustrate and explore the possibilities of fostering an appropriate writing curriculum.