This book starts with an inclusive definition of writing and suggests simple ways to introduce students to the purpose of writing. It discusses the key relationship between reading and writing, and the importance of oral language in building strong writers. Based on the work of real K-2 students, the book shows teachers how to interpret student work, identify what they know, and build naturally on the strengths their work displays. it argues for consistent teaching that includes a delicate balance between direct instruction and independent learning. Children will thrive as writers if they experience success. This book offers the tools teachers need to put that success in the hands of every young writer.

So begins the story of Helen Lester, author of Tacky the Penguin and many other popular books for children. By sharing her struggles as a child and later as a successful author, she demonstrates that hurdles are part of the process. She even gives writing tips, such as keeping a "fizzle box." Helen Lester uses her unique ability to laugh at her mistakes to create both a guide for young writers and an amusing personal story of the disappointments and triumphs of a writer's life.

Veteran teacher Marilyn Pryle knows first hand the challenges of teaching writing workshop in middle school. She has fine-tuned her approach over the years and now shares her classroom-tested strategies in this step-by-step guide. She shows you how to establish routines, set high expectations, plan assignments that balance structure and choice, sequence mini-lessons to maximize students' learning, design rubrics to ease the grading dilemma and encourage revision, and so much more. With management tips, scheduling options, test-prep ideas, ELL supports, and conferencing how-to's, this is the essential resource for teaching writing workshop in middle school!

Writing Workshop in the Elementary Classroom is a culmination of the authors’ work with students and writing for collectively over 35 years. Teaching writing using a workshop methodology can be exciting as it is an interactive approach to writing, but it can also be challenging as it is not the traditional teacher directed whole class lessons that many test preparation curriculums tout. The book takes the reader through the stages of the writing process in the first part, explaining what students are doing and thinking in each stage. In the second part, the authors explain how to manage students, materials, mini lessons, grading and other aspects that help writing workshop classrooms run smoothly. To help with the transition to a workshop method, readers are asked to keep a journal wherein they plan what they will do in their classrooms.

Stacey Shubitz and Lynne Dorfman welcome you to experience the writing workshop for the first time or in a new light with Welcome to Writing Workshop: Engaging Today's Students with a Model That Works. Through strategic routines, tips, resources, and short focused video clips, teachers can create the sights and sounds of a thriving writing workshop where: - Both students and teachers are working authors - Students spend most of their time writing--not just learning about it- Student choice is encouraged to help create engaged writers, not compliant ones - Students are part of the formative assessment process - Students will look forward to writing time--not dread it. From explanations of writing process and writing traits to small-group strategy lessons and mini-lessons, this book will provide the know-how to feel confident and comfortable in the teaching of writers.

The kit includes The Art of Writing, a course book that addresses writing techniques as well as root problems every writer encounters; 30 cards presenting daily exercises for the writing life; and an exquisite blank book with a pen.

A collection of short fiction selected by members of New York's acclaimed creative writing school presents works that range from F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," to "A Romantic Weekend by Mary Gaitskill, to Tobias Wolff's "Bullet in the Brain," reflecting a rich variety of themes, perspectives, and plot and character development. Original. 15,000 first printing.