These All About Me and My Family Books give children a meaningful way to introduce themselves, share information about the people who are important to them, and create a special beginning of the year keepsake.
I designed both shaped writing books for Kindergarten and first grade. Kindergarten children can draw, label pictures, copy familiar words, dictate their ideas, or use beginning spelling. First grade children can complete the same prompts with more independent writing and additional details.
Teachers can select only the pages that suit their children, complete the books gradually across several days, and use the finished work as an informal writing sample or classroom display.
Why Use Shaped Writing Books?
Shaped books make an ordinary writing activity feel more like a special project. Children can talk about each topic, complete the drawing and writing pages, color their work, and cut around the dotted outlines before assembling their books.
The familiar topics encourage oral language and personal expression, while the handwriting lines support early writing. Cutting and assembling the pages also provide valuable fine motor practice. Once completed, the books become meaningful keepsakes that children can share with their classmates and families.
All About Me Book
The All About Me Book helps children share their personal information, favorite things, experiences, and future goals. Two cover options are included so children can choose the character they would like to color and personalize.
The writing pages invite children to:
- Write their name and age and draw a self-portrait.
- Record their favorite color, food, animal, and book.
- Identify places they have visited and write about somewhere they would like to go.
- Write and draw what they would like to be when they grow up.
- Use the additional drawing, writing, and blank pages for other personal topics.
At the beginning of Kindergarten, children may draw their responses, copy words from a classroom word bank, or dictate their ideas to an adult. More confident writers can add labels, phrases, or sentences. The open-ended pages make it easy to adjust the activity for different writing levels.
My Family Book
The My Family Book encourages children to think about the people who are important to them and the things they enjoy doing together. The cover includes a large frame for children to draw a family portrait.
The writing pages invite children to:
- Record how many people are in their family and identify the adults they live with.
- Add family members’ names to a simple family tree.
- Identify activities their family enjoys and write another activity of their own.
- Write about their home language and draw their favorite place at home.
- Use the additional drawing, writing, and blank pages for other family topics.
American and Australian spelling options are included for the At Home page. The home address section is optional and should only be used when sharing this information is appropriate for your classroom or school setting.
Families come in many different forms. Children can complete the sections that reflect their own experiences and the people who are important to them. No child should be expected to complete or share a section that does not feel appropriate for their family situation.
How to Use the Books Across the Week
The books do not need to be completed in one sitting. Spreading the pages across several days gives children time to discuss each topic and produce more thoughtful drawings and writing.
- Begin with oral language. Invite children to talk with a partner or the class about the topic before writing.
- Complete one or two pages each day. This keeps the project manageable for young children.
- Provide appropriate writing support. Use name cards, picture word banks, modeled writing, or adult scribing when needed.
- Encourage children to add details. First grade children can explain preferences and write complete sentences.
- Assemble and share the books. Children can read their finished pages to a partner, small group, or family member.
Differentiating for Kindergarten and First Grade
Kindergarten children can draw and dictate their ideas, label pictures, copy names and familiar words, or use beginning spelling. A classroom word bank can provide extra support without limiting children’s responses.
First grade children can use the same pages to write phrases and complete sentences. Encourage them to add descriptive details, explain their choices, and reread their writing before assembling the books.
The additional writing and drawing pages can be included for children who are ready to write more or left out when a shorter book is more appropriate.
Preparing and Assembling the Shaped Books
- Select the pages that best suit your children and learning goals.
- Print the chosen pages on white paper. Print the cover on cardstock if you would like a sturdier book.
- Allow children to complete and color the pages before cutting.
- Cut around the dotted outlines. Adults can assist children who need help with the curved edges.
- Arrange the completed pages behind the cover, then staple or bind them together.
These All About Me and My Family Books work well during the first weeks of school, an identity or family unit, writing lessons, literacy centers, morning work, or student portfolio preparation.
Purchase the All About Me Book
You can find the All About Me Book in my Kinder Resources store or purchase it from my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Purchase the My Family Book
You can find the My Family Book in my Kinder Resources store or purchase it from my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
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Happy Teaching! 😊