Foundational Skills for Writing

Writing is more than putting words down on paper—it’s a tool for thinking and learning, a vehicle for expression and connection. In fact, writing is one of the most complex tasks the brain coordinates, drawing simultaneously on language skills, executive functions, and motor processes. This session tackles that complexity, offering evidence-based methods, purposeful strategies, and playful approaches teachers can use to nurture essential writing skills… tomorrow! Educators will gain the knowledge and tools to nurture young writers’ growth, support them through challenges, and build their confidence and competence.   In this session, participants will:  Identify foundational writing skills, including executive functions, oral language, motor skills, handwriting, spelling, and sentence construction.Review neurological research on the writing brain, how writing skills develop, and the reciprocity of reading and writing. Develop instructional activities to introduce, reinforce, and review foundational writing skills across primary, elementary, and middle school classrooms— skills that support growth in every area of literacy.