Information Writing Toolkit

You might remember this colorful booklet from my earlier post about student writing portfolios. I use the same booklet for my conferring toolkits. Some people prefer binders or sketchbooks, but the booklet has pockets that makes it beneficial for storing mentor texts. Toolkits can be very useful resources during reading and writing conferences with students. The information toolkit I created for second grade writing conferences has eight sections--student writing, teacher writing, mentor texts, resources, checklists, spelling, teacher tools, and student tools.

Student writing and teacher writing is marked with post-its to highlight specific writing moves.

Mentor texts are also marked with post-its to highlight specific writing moves.

Multiple copies of information writing checklists are included to give students. This way, they can evaluate their own writing. Spelling resources include strategies to spell words, an alphabet chart, and a blend/digraph chart.

The information rubric and tips for conferring are included in teacher tools. Student tools will include post-its, revising strips, and drafting paper.