Alternative Pencils

Our team has been working together to make writing accessible to all students, particularly those with emerging literacy skills. It has been challenging to create authentic writing opportunities for our most complex students. In our research, we discovered alternative pencils. We've experimented with folder-style "pencils" where we read the alphabet aloud, and students indicate their choice by nodding, using yes or no visuals, or pressing a voice output button that says 'write it down'. We've also tried an eye gaze pencil, where a student looks at a section of letters and then at the letter color to indicate which letter to write. By selecting high-interest topics tailored to each student, we've noticed increased engagement in the writing process. We document every letter the student selects and connect the initial letter sounds to the topic and the chosen letter. Initially, students "scribble," but they soon begin to make intentional letter choices, demonstrating their understanding of letter names and sounds. These journal writing sessions are rich with learning. Both our team and students have thoroughly enjoyed this inclusive writing program! You can learn more about alternative pencils at- https://literacyforallinstruction.ca/alternative-pencils-2/.