Well, the children did well...They wrote lots - but most forgot to use capital letters and full stops. Those that remembered full stops, forgot to start new sentences with capital letters. Every Year 2 teacher's nightmare. When I was an NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) I got to the end of Year 2 without realising that my children hadn't been using capital letters and full stops consistently in their writing. I was so pleased they were able to 'write' stories using adjectives, adverbs & similes that I hadn't noticed that there weren't any full stops or capital letters. So in my 2nd year as a teacher I knew exactly what to look out for and I was on the case from quite early on in the year.
I used to get the class to stand to attention like solidiers while saying "Capital Letters!" in a military sounding voice. We then moved our fingers a long as if we were playing the piano and said "finger spaces..." and finally the children's favourite action was making a fist and punching out with both arms like in Karate while saying FULL STOP.
At the tables, I had a picture of a laminated hand with a an index finger pointing out, as a visual reminder to children to use finger spaces.
However, what worked really well for my class last year was this. As I marked children's work I made a note of those who had remembered to use capital letters and and full stops accurately and consistently. I would also make a note of those who missed out on one or two. The following morning I would praise the children for trying hard then read out the names of those who had acheieved their target and hand them my "Well done for using capital letters" stickers. This really got everyone excited. I pointed out those that had very nearly achieved their targets but didn't give them a sticker (mean I know!) but it worked and soon all the children in my class were using capital letters and full stops consistently - unlike the children in the other Year 2 classes. I was over the moon! I sat back and relaxed while the other teachers panicked! :)
The stickers can be bought from Super Stickers.
Unfortunately they do not sell a "Full Stops" sticker. I have written to them asking them to produce one and they thanked me for my idea said they would try to have one soon. In the meantime I just use cheap small circles instead. :)
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