When you are building independent writers, they need to learn how to check their own sentences using a complete sentence checklist. Back when I was modeling how to write sentences, I would also model how to check sentences to see if they were complete every single time. Since I did this, my students were already in the habit of checking their sentences. You can grab the free writing sentences checklist download at the end of this post.
After my students write their complete sentence, I would give them this quick little checklist to mark off. I laminated these and kept them at their writing center, had one on the board, and they each had one at their desk. They had no excuse to forget a period or not use finger spaces.
Before they got to draw a picture, they simply checked each of these boxes on the complete sentence checklist:
If they were able to check everything off, then they drew their picture or turned it in. If they were missing an uppercase letter or punctuation, they could just add it. However, if they were missing one of the other three, I would have them start over using the same sentence. Yes, it’s more work, but they need to learn that they do it the right way the first time, or they have to do it again. Honestly, I never had students have to start over often because I really enforced the neat handwriting/finger spaces rules with them. Using the complete sentence checklist really built a strong foundation for my student's writing!
If you are looking for more Writing resources and activities, check out my writing resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store here.
