For example, Pat Hutchins' book, The Doorbell Rang, can be read as an introduction to writing story problems. Writing Boxes provide teachers the luxury of working exclusively with a small group of children knowing that the remainder of the class is engaged in meaningful, well-supervised writing activities. I often reserve this small group time to lead an interactive writing group. Interactive writing is dynamic, collaborative writing in which children actively compose together, considering appropriate words, phrases, text organization, and layout. Children benefit from Writing Boxes because they receive more individual attention through small group work and have a bigger participatory role.
Parents benefit by taking an active role in their child's education.
Parent participation in Writing Box activities empower them to clearly see the different writing stages of children and allow them a close look at their child's school experience. Parent volunteers are recruited via notes sent home with children. The note explains the purpose of Writing Boxes and describes typical writing activities which might occur within a Writing Box. Attached to the cover letter is a form for parents to complete which lists the days they will be available to help. When the forms are collected, parents from both kindergartens are pooled and a special training night is scheduled.