Kim,
That is such a great question. As Jeanette wisely responded, start NOW with heart words, so you can see how excited and motivated your children will become as they master each new target. If you haven’t already, have kinders writing power sentences every morning (as quick writes), beginning with “I love you”. Once you teach the word “because”, the children will be writing compound sentences and preparing for Common Core Opinion Writing. You will be amazed at student progress! I hope you return to these online seminars again and again and collaborate with your colleagues. Consider beginning making the heart word sentence props now as your practicum project for professional development credit.