All year, we have been learning to write using the "Stretch it out, break it up" method to hear sounds and write the sounds they hear to make words. Some sources call this type of early writing "invented spelling" or "kid writing". It is a baby step towards learning how to spell. We also teach our kids to memorize Kindergarten Sight Words, which must be spelled and written correctly. When you combine memorized sight words and kid writing, even kids as young as age five can write all types of amazing things without losing confidence or being afraid to "get it wrong".
When students become really good at writing the sounds they hear, they often begin to ask me, "Is this how you spell ______?" That is my cue to start using colorful pens to write the true spelling of words below their kid writing. We can compare the two words, and talk about why those other letters are there (i.e. the "sneaky silent e"). There is no penalty for "misspelling" in kindergarten! I just check to make sure they wrote all the sounds that are in a word. As kids become better at reading and start reading more books independently, their spelling memory takes a huge jump, and you will see them begin to spell words the more traditional way.
I love reading what the children have written! And they are so proud of their ability to create all types of journal entries, books, and other writings.
Below is a video that my son and I made that helps parents understand the "stretch and break" method. It's something that can easily be done at home or while out and about. Give it a try...soon your child will be helping you write shopping lists, to-do lists, letters to Grandma and more.
Happy stretching!
Jonathan and Mrs. Jenkins give a demonstration on how to stretch out and break up words in order to hear and write the sounds.