Using writing mats where there are words ready-to-go can help kids cut down their ‘trying to think of a word’ time and let them focus on how they’re putting the words together. And the best thing is there’s an editable mat, too, so the kids can choose what words they want included! Brilliant for kids with working memory issues.
Preparing these writing mats
Download these Editable Writing Mats (below), then either print the mat provided or edit the words so they’ll suit your classroom or what you’re learning at home. I like to copy them onto coloured paper to add some brightness.
To edit, open the pdf file in Adobe Reader (it’s free, and you can download it from Adobe). The first page is not editable, but the 2nd copy is. Just place your cursor on the list and you’ll be able to type in whatever words you or your children choose.
Please note, only the word lists and interjections title are editable.
Laminate them to get lots of use, and write with a dry erase marker or crayon.
Using these writing mats
Kids roll a die 4 times, once for each word list. If the first roll is a three then they circle the three-dotted die and this means they need to use the word ‘clever.’ They repeat this 3 more times so they have 4 words ready to use.
Then they formulate and write a sentence using those key words.
You may like to talk to your kids about what an adjective is, or a noun and a verb etc. It all depends on your teaching program or the interest and ability level of the kids involved. If you are editing the writing mat, what other class of words might you choose instead of interjections?
For younger children you might like to use colours or numbers or CVC words instead!
Download these writing mats
Click on the following coloured text for your Editable Writing Mats and they will be sent immediately to your downloads folder or other device equivalent.
Free writing sticks
If you’re interested in writing you might like this reading and writing exercise. It’s easier than these writing mats but still gives some choice and makes writing basic sentences quick and easy. There are 28 sentences and you just need to glue them to a craft stick!
I hope you get lots of use out of these writing mats and wish you happy teaching and learning!
