Why do students often graduate from high school unprepared for college writing? And what can we do about it? These are the questions that a group of classroom teachers set out to explore. Over the course of seven years, a group of middle, high school, college, and university teachers participated in a federally funded writing coalition project to implement innovative approaches to teaching writing. Together they developed this series of lesson plans designed to make writing both fun and an integral part of diverse curricula. "Practical" is the recurrent motif of each teaching strategy. Developed by real teachers in real classrooms, the lessons are grouped into seven categories: writing process, portfolios, literature, research, grammar, writing on demand, and media. Each lesson follows a standard format that includes purpose of the activity; necessary preparation; required props and materials; process and procedure for implementation; instructional pointers and/or possible pitfalls; and reflections from the teacher that provide "behind the scenes" insights.

Developed by two educators with experience in both elementary and secondary classrooms, Writing Effective Lesson Plans details a unique a step-by-step procedure designed to streamline the process of lesson planning and make teaching smoother and more efficient. Coined the "Five-Star Lesson Plan" by the authors, this model consists of five classic components: lesson description, goals and objectives, materials and tools, procedures, and reflective assessment and evaluation. This workbook guides beginning and experienced teachers through each step to create lesson plans that best meet the needs of every student. It also explores the inherent challenges to effective lesson planning, such as time efficiency, knowledge construction, skill development, involving the students' families, and implementing your plan. With its mix of concise theory and hands-on activities, this book is a one-stop resource encouraging a deep and thoughtful approach to a skill that is often not sufficiently developed in teacher preparation programs.

Discover new, practical methods for teaching literacy skills in your early childhood classroom. Has teaching early literacy skills become a stumbling block to getting your preschool students kindergarten ready? Break out of the tired “letter of the week” routine and learn how to transform your lessons with fun and effective techniques. Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers will equip teachers to infuse every aspect of their teaching with exciting hands-on literacy teaching methods that engage students and help them build authentic connections with books, so that 100% of their students will have a strong literacy foundation and will be fully prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond. Respected author Vanessa Levin, veteran early childhood educator and author of the “Pre-K Pages” blog, breaks down the research and translates it into realistic, actionable steps you can take to improve your teaching. Features specific examples of teaching techniques and activities that engage students in hands-on, experiential learning during circle time, centers, and small groups. Offers a simple, four-step system for teaching literacy skills, based on the foundational principles of early literacy teaching Demonstrates how to build your confidence in your ability to get 100% of your students ready for kindergarten, long before the end of the school year Understand the problems with traditional literacy teaching and identify gaps in your current teaching practice with this valuable resource.

This book has everything you need to write your first lesson plan. The author puts everything he knows about lesson plans into simple, understandable language so that you can easily learn all there is to know about writing a great lesson plan. Inside this book, you will learn: - The Lesson Plan Basics: Easy guidelines on how to create your first lesson plan. - Goals and Objectives: Important keys to getting your lesson plan on the right course with your students. - Necessary Prerequisites and Materials: How to make sure your students don't miss anything. - Your Lesson Introduction: How to engage and empower your students to learn. - The Heart of the Matter: How to make sure your students have that "aha" moment by constructing a good main activity. - Driving it Home: Keys to constructing a great independent activity to really drive your lesson plan home. - Follow-up: Simple pointers to help you make sure your students retain what you've taught them. - Assessment and Evaluation: How to assess your lesson plan's effectiveness. - Adaptations: Learn how to modify your lesson plan to different situations and circumstances. - Most Common Lesson Plan Mistakes: How to avoid them so you don't make the same mistake like so many others. - Writing Activities: How to create writing activities that will help grow your students' abilities and comprehension. - Lesson Plan Format: How to come up with your own very powerful lesson plan. - Two Sample Lesson Plans: Will help you construct your very first highly effective lesson plan. If you've ever been interested in writing a lesson plan, but didn't know where to start, then I encourage you to learn from the author's experience and get started on the right footing. This book contains everything you need to know in order to help you create an amazing classroom experience!

An award-winning photographer captures children's thoughts about their bodies in striking b&w photos and disarmingly honest words.

Interactive Writing is specifically focused on the early phases of writing, and has special relevance to prekindergarten, kindergarten, grade 1 and 2 teachers.