Kindergarten writing rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8
This kindergarten writing rubric scores a young writer's picture and words: a drawing that matches, letters for the sounds they hear, spaces between words, and a capital and period. The K–2 band is the heart, with three levels and no points. The 3–5 and 6–8 bands keep the same criteria for older students just starting out in English or who need a simpler rubric. Print it, copy it into Google Docs, or open it in the rubric maker.
Grades K–2
3 levels, 5 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).
| Criteria | Wow! | Yes | Not yet |
|---|---|---|---|
| My picture | My picture matches my words and has lots of details and color. | My picture matches my words. | My picture does not match my words yet. |
| Letters and sounds | I write a letter for every sound I hear, and spell some words the right way. | I write the first and last sounds in my words. | I write some letters, but they do not match the sounds yet. |
| Spaces | I put a finger space between every word. | I put spaces between most of my words. | My words run together. |
| Capital and period | My sentence starts with a capital and ends with a period. | I remember the capital or the period. | I forget the capital and the period. |
| Telling my idea | I write a whole sentence, or more, that tells my idea. | I write a few words that tell my idea. | I tell my idea out loud, but not in words yet. |
- I can draw a picture that tells about my words.
- I can write letters for the sounds I hear.
- I can put spaces between my words.
- I can start with a capital and end with a period.
- I can write words that tell my idea.
Grades 3–5
4 levels, 4 criteria, 20 points in all.
| Criteria | Exceeds4 points | Meets3 points | Approaching2 points | Beginning1 point | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture and words | A detailed, labeled picture and sentences that tell the same idea. | A picture that matches the words. | The picture and words only partly match. | The picture and words do not match, or one is missing. | / 4 |
| Sounds and spelling | Spells common words correctly and writes every sound in new words. | Spells many common words correctly and most sounds in new words. | Writes beginning and ending sounds; many common words misspelled. | Letters do not yet match the sounds in words. | / 4 |
| Spaces and neatness | Clear spaces between words and neat letters any reader can read. | Spaces between most words and readable letters. | Some words run together or letters are hard to read. | Words run together and are hard to read. | / 4 |
| Sentencescounts ×2 | Two or more complete sentences, each with a capital and an end mark. | One complete sentence with a capital and an end mark. | A sentence missing a capital, an end mark, or a part. | Words or a phrase, but not yet a sentence. | / 8 |
- I can make a picture and words that tell the same idea.
- I can spell words by their sounds and spell common words correctly.
- I can leave spaces and form my letters so others can read them.
- I can write complete sentences with a capital and end mark.
Grades 6–8
4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.
| Criteria | Exceeds4 points | Meets3 points | Approaching2 points | Beginning1 point | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picture and words | A labeled picture or diagram that adds detail to several connected sentences. | A labeled picture that matches the sentences. | A picture with few labels that partly matches. | No picture, or it does not match the words. | / 4 |
| Sounds and spelling | Spells common and topic words correctly and sounds out new words closely. | Spells most common words correctly; new words are readable. | Many common words misspelled, but the meaning is clear. | Spelling makes the meaning hard to understand. | / 4 |
| Spaces and neatness | Neat, evenly spaced writing with clear margins any reader can follow. | Readable writing with spaces between words. | Uneven spacing or letters make some words hard to read. | Hard to read because of spacing or letter shapes. | / 4 |
| Sentencescounts ×2 | Three or more complete, connected sentences with correct capitals and end marks. | Two complete sentences with capitals and end marks. | One sentence, or sentences missing capitals, end marks or parts. | Words or phrases, not yet a sentence. | / 8 |
| Telling my idea | States an idea clearly and adds two or more details or reasons. | States an idea and adds one detail or reason. | The idea is partly clear; no detail is added. | The idea is not yet clear in writing. | / 4 |
- I can use a labeled picture or diagram to support my sentences.
- I can spell common and topic words correctly and sound out new ones.
- I can write neatly with clear spaces so any reader can follow.
- I can write several complete sentences with capitals and end marks.
- I can write an idea and add a detail or reason.
When to use it
- Kindergarten and early first grade journals, labeled drawings, and first sentences.
- To track growth: score the same rubric in fall, winter and spring and keep the pages together.
- For older students just starting out in English, or anyone who needs a simpler writing rubric, use the 3–5 or 6–8 band.
What to say to students
- Draw your picture first, then write words that tell about it.
- Say each word slowly and write the sounds you hear.
- Put a finger space between your words.
- Start with a big capital and stop with a period.
Related
The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.