We need to make sure students know how to write AND they need a writing rubric to support it. The Big 3 is an easy and effective writing rubric. I have debated and drafted and debated and drafted and tried to determine the best way to teach our earliest learners about writing “must-haves.” I landed on my BIG 3. Students are asked to look at their writing critically and make sure they have all the necessary mechanics of good writing. But, when you introduce and practice the BIG 3 in a a whole group, before you expect it in their individual writing, you can guarantee good results.
Big 3 writing rubric Anchor Charts
I have definite thoughts about anchor charts and I am more than clear about the explicit nature of anchor charts. They must be created WITH, BY, and FOR the students. Then, the students must practice using the anchor charts.
After these steps, the anchor charts have meaning and depth and students use them easily. The BIG 3 anchor chart can be constructed in one of three ways.
The teacher and the student can interactively create the chart over a few days (as pictured) or the class
can construct the chart with pre-typed words, or a combination of interactive writing and provided words.
Students should also be given a writing folder sized anchor chart for personal reference, as they are writing. When anchor charts are used consistently and taught HOW to use the charts, students own the chart and the task at hand.
I have definite thoughts about anchor charts and I am more than clear about the explicit nature of anchor charts.
They must be created WITH, BY, and FOR the students. Then, the students must practice using the anchor charts.
After these steps, the anchor charts have meaning and depth and students use them easily.
The BIG 3 anchor chart can be constructed in one of three ways. The teacher and the student can interactively create the chart over a few days (as pictured) or the class
can construct the chart with pre-typed words, or a combination of interactive writing and provided words.
Students should also be given a writing folder sized anchor chart for personal reference, as they are writing. When anchor charts are used consistently and taught HOW to use the charts, students own the chart and the task at hand.
Big 3 writing rubric Sing it!
Anyone who has spent time in a classroom knows that if early learners can sign about it, they can learn it. As a matter of fact, they can sing it before they understand it. It is incredibly important to make sure they have connected the meaning of the song with the action. It is sung to the tune of “Baa Baa Black Sheep.” There are also hand motions to the song.
Big 3 writing rubric Step-by-Step Instruction
Students will practice the Big 3 independently with predictable sentences.
As they practice the sight word sentences, students can check each sentence for capitals, spaces, and end marks.
This is a wonderful guided writing practice because it’s controlled.
As the students are successful, they are directed to use the Big 3 during all their writing.
Putting a 3 at the top of their writing, they can quickly check the top of the 3 for the capitals, the middle of the 3 for the spaces, and the bottom of the 3 for the end mark.
This is a simple rubric, easily replicated by the students.
Big 3 writing rubric Journal Writing
I’ve used these rubric writing journal covers with students for both journal writing and/or morning work.
Students writing each morning will look at the rubric from the day before and remind themselves of the Big 3.
Having the daily rubric on the cover, lets students know where they can make sure their attention is going when they write that day.
On Friday, I would send this weekly writing booklet home to be celebrated with their families.
Using the BIG 3 with early writers is a great way to get students involved in their own writing.
For the full set, BIG 3 Kindergarten Writing Rubric.