Academics · Subject Resources

See the writing grow,
one sample at a time.

Writing grows slowly enough that it is hard to see week to week. A few samples across a year, each written alone and counted the same way, show it clearly: longer pieces, fewer misspellings, paragraphs appearing. Add each sample with its counts and the skills it shows. The checklist compares first and latest and flags what to look for next, without labels.

Add a sampleWhat you get

Writing samples

The worked example is made up: three samples from a third grader, September, January and May. Saved on this device only.

Loading the sample form. If nothing appears, turn on JavaScript.

What you get

Academics · Subject ResourcesFree

What you finish with
A record per writing sample: date, title, grade, kind, words, sentences, words misspelled, minutes and eight skills, with a note. Works out words per sentence, the share spelled correctly and words per minute; compares the first and latest sample; flags skills usually taught by the child’s grade that are not yet seen, very long average sentences, short samples and when to bring samples to the teacher.
Who it is for
Parents and caregivers of children in kindergarten through grade 8, homeschooling families and tutors.
Format
Browser checklist with a saved record per sample. Prints one sample, all of them in a table or a blank sheet; downloads a spreadsheet (.csv); exports and imports a file.
Access
Free. No account, no sign-in and nothing to install. Everything you type stays in this browser; nothing is sent to Caveat.
Where it lives
The Subject Resources space in Caveat Academics.
Support
Questions about access, an order or a correction: team@caveatacademic.com.

How to use it

  1. Choose a piece the child wrote alone.
  2. Count words, sentences and misspellings from the page.
  3. Mark the skills you can see.
  4. Add a sample every two or three months.
  5. Bring the table to a parent-teacher conference.

Add a sample

By grade

What writing usually shows, by gradeGradeUsually seenGrowingK to 1Letters to words, a few sentencesCapitals, periods2Sentences in order, some detailLinking words3Paragraphs, reasons, linking wordsRevising4 to 5Organized paragraphs, varied sentencesEvidence, voiceWhat writing usually shows, by gradeK to 1Usually seen: Letters to words, a few sentencesGrowing: Capitals, periods2Usually seen: Sentences in order, some detailGrowing: Linking words3Usually seen: Paragraphs, reasons, linking wordsGrowing: Revising4 to 5Usually seen: Organized paragraphs, varied sentencesGrowing: Evidence, voice
A rough guide drawn from common grade-level writing standards. Children develop at different rates; the teacher sees the full range.

A snapshot, not a verdict

One sample depends on the topic, the day and how much time there was. Look for patterns across several, and ask the teacher what they see in class, where writing is taught and practiced daily. This checklist does not test, score or diagnose anything.

Spelling is not writing

Children who spell well can still write thin pieces, and strong young writers often misspell ambitious words. Count spelling, but weigh ideas, order and detail at least as much.

Sources

  1. Graham, S., et al. (2012). Teaching Elementary School Students to Be Effective Writers (NCEE 2012-4058). Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse.
  2. Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, Writing standards K to 8 (corestandards.org).
  3. Graham, S. and Harris, K. R. (2005). Writing Better: Effective Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning Difficulties. Brookes.
  4. Reading Rockets. Writing development and how to help at home (readingrockets.org).

The worked example is made up. This checklist describes samples; it is not an assessment or a diagnosis, and grade expectations differ by school. Nothing you type is sent to Caveat. Support: team@caveatacademic.com.