In the kindergarten curriculum, writing is one of the most difficult tasks that we ask students to do. They have to rely on their still-developing phonics skills in order to communicate an idea and transfer it to paper with their still-developing fine motor skills. This can be a frustrating experience for beginning writers! This is why I’m such a huge proponent of using writing folders for kindergarten. Here are some tips for creating these folders to help your students feel more successful.

The Benefits of Kindergarten Writing Folders
When I mention kindergarten writing folders, I’m not talking about a place to store student writing samples. Instead, I’m talking about a folder with a variety of reference tools that students can use to help them as they write. Students can stand the folders up on the edge to create a little “office” to use as they write.

There are several benefits to using writing folders in kindergarten:
- Increase Accessibility: It takes a lot of concentration for young students to be able to look up from their table to the walls, find the information they need on an anchor chart or visual, and then look back to their papers to write it all down. In fact, for some students, this process can feel overwhelming! When students have a writing folder at their desk, it’s easier for them to access and use writing reference materials.
- Maintain Momentum: As a teacher, you can’t be in five places at once! When students have to stop what they’re doing to wait for your help, it can have a major impact on momentum and motivation. This can also cause an increase in negative behaviors while students wait for assistance. Writing folders can give students the support they need without having to wait for you to get to them.
- Build Independence: Over time, writing folders allow students to become more independent writers. This can also increase their confidence and motivation when they see that they can put together a sentence on their own using the tools at their desk! Writing folders can also help students to be more independent during centers time!
What to Include in Writing Folders for Kindergarten
The key to putting together writing folders for your students is to include the information they actually need! Too much information can overwhelm them but too few resources will cause students to ignore it because it’s not all that helpful.
If you’re not sure what information you should include in your kindergarten writing folders, I’ve put together a list of some of the things that are most helpful for beginning writers. You can pick and choose the best combination for your students!
1. Letter Formation
Young kindergarten students are still solidifying their knowledge of the alphabet, so a letter chart with visual formation reminders can be a huge help! My letter formation chart uses color to differentiate between the different strokes. Each letter also includes a dot for the starting point and dots for lift points (if applicable).
2. Sound Chart
Another important tool to include in a writing folder is a letter-sound chart. Visual examples of the sounds can help students find the sound they’re looking for. The chart allows students to identify the letter that makes the sound they need on their own. This can cut down on the calling out of “How do I spell ______?”
3. Sentence Starters
Sometimes the problem for students can just be getting started! Blank page overwhelm is a real thing! (This is why I use picture writing prompts whenever possible.) It can also be helpful to give students a list of sentence starters for inspiration.

4. High Frequency Words
High frequency words are often the trickier words for young writers, which is why it’s a good idea to include a list of the most common high frequency words. Students can even get some review with reading the high frequency words as they look for the one they need!
5. Numbers
Students will also use numbers and number words in their writing, so your folders could also include a number formation chart. I like to include a simple ten frame with each number so students can confirm with counting that it’s the number they need. The number word is also listed under each number, in case students want to use that instead of the numeral.
6. Calendar Words
Your students might also want to add details to their writing, like the day of the week or the month of the year. It’s a good idea to include these calendar words in a writing folder!

7. Visual Word Banks
Additional word banks are also helpful for a writing folder, but it’s best to include visuals so your beginning readers know what word they’re using. These could be feelings, family words, colors, weather, or school words. It’s so nice for students to have these words at their fingertips!
8. Sentence Writing Checklist
Since young writers are still learning how to write a complete sentence, a 5-star sentence checklist is an important addition to writing folders! Students can independently check their work for proper conventions.
Printable Writing Folder Resources
To save you some time, I’ve put together a set of print-and-go resources that you can use to put together writing folders for your students. It includes all of the writing folder components mentioned above so your students can write with confidence!
You can use the completed folders to create mini offices for your students to use during independent writing time. They will have all the sounds, handwriting tips, and sight words they need right at their fingertips!
If you want to take a closer look at everything included in this resource, you can find it in the Teaching Exceptional Kinders shop or my TPT store.

These resources are also included as a bonus in the Kindergarten Writing Toolbox membership, if you want to check it out!
Save These Tips for Kindergarten Writing Folders
Don’t forget to save this post if you’d like to come back to it later! Just add the pin below to your favorite kindergarten writing board on Piniterest. You’ll be able to find these writing folder tips and printables when you’re getting ready to create writing folders for your students.
