Using with SIPPS

Early writing develops on a foundation of drawing, oral language, and phonics. In grades K, 1, and the beginning of grade 2, the Being a Writer program creates many opportunities for students to draw and tell their stories. They see and follow the teacher as she models writing letters, words, and sentences; models standard sentence punctuation; and uses sounds in spoken words to determine what letters to write.

Good phonics instruction needs to be happening right alongside this program. Students need to see the teacher using and applying the many letters and sounds they have learned in their phonics program. Being a Writer lessons contain examples of how to model this writing using phonics derived from the SIPPS program (Systematic Instruction in Phoneme Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words).