Transitioning a child from the Sign-In, Level 1 Routine to the Sign-In, Level 2 Routine depends entirely on the student's demonstrated mastery of fundamental writing skills and their readiness to tackle more advanced concepts of print and writing tasks.
Sign-In, Level 1 Routine (Starting Point)
The Level 1 Routine is designed for students who are just beginning their writing journey and need explicit foundational support. Students should remain in this routine if they demonstrate the following characteristics:
- They are unable to form letters independently.
- They do not form the letters in their name correctly.
- They do not understand the concept of left-to-right orientation (directionality).
- They do not correctly identify letter names or letter sounds in their name.
- In this routine, the focus is on basic skills like fine motor practice, proper pencil grip, and the introduction of left-to-right directionality. Writing takes place on an upright whiteboard, chart, or paper, and the educator models letter writing using stroke sequences.
Sign-In, Level 2 Routine (Transition Readiness)
Students are ready to transition to the Level 2 Routine when they have achieved a measure of independence and fluency in their basic writing mechanics as described below:
- They are able to form letters independently, even if they do not always do so correctly.
- They identify letter names correctly.
- They are ready to add more advanced concepts of print and/or writing more than their first names.
- Once a student has transitioned to Level 2, the instruction shifts to more complex concepts and greater challenges.
- The student uses a small, horizontal, flat surface for writing (allowing them to write horizontally).
- The concepts addressed now include identifying letter sounds, discussing when to use capital and lowercase letters, and spacing between first and last names.
- They practice using a pencil (a smaller writing utensil).
- They may begin writing their first and last names, a friend’s name, a number, or a unit-related word (like bird or plant).
- The educator reinforces the use of capital letters at the beginning of names and lowercase letters for the rest of the name.
Determining the Transition
The decision to transition a student is based on your continuous observation and assessment of their skills:
- If a student struggles in the Level 2 Routine, you should revert to using the Sign-In, Level 1 Routine.
- The Level 2 routine is used for students who can form letters independently but may not always be accurate, and who are ready to learn more advanced concepts of print and/or writing.
The daily sign-in routine, which begins in Unit 2 Family and Friends, Week 2, serves as a consistent assessment opportunity to track writing development over time and to ensure that each student receives the appropriate level of support.