Nonfiction writers need to develop a broad arsenal of sentence structures so their writing is rich, varied, and fluid. They need to consider how powerful verbs can accentuate their voice and make their nonfiction writing more compelling. They need to reflect on how carefully selected details can bring a setting to life and invite their reader to understand more deeply. Focused on the process and traits of being a writer and how to best address the needs and expectations of nonfiction readers, Linda Hoyt's" Crafting Nonfiction "offers targeted minilessons that will help you elevate craft, integrate trait-based instruction, and elevate control over conventions.

"Nonfiction writers need to develop a broad arsenal of sentence structures so their writing is rich, varied, and fluid. They need to consider how powerful verbs can accentuate their voice and make their nonfiction writing more compelling. They need to reflect on how carefully selected details can bring a setting to life and invite their reader to understand more deeply. Focused on the process and traits of being a writer and how to best address the needs and expectations of nonfiction readers, Linda Hoyt's Crafting Nonfiction offers targeted minilessons that will help you elevate craft, integrate trait-based instruction, and elevate control over conventions."--Publisher description.

"Nonfiction writing does not need to sound like an encyclopedia. It can be richly constructed with a wide variety of sentence patterns. Craft elements and literary devices should be highlighted and employed in nonfiction selections just as carefully as we implement them in fiction." Linda Hoyt Nonfiction writers need to develop a broad arsenal of sentence structures so their writing is rich, varied, and fluid. They need to consider how powerful verbs can accentuate their voice and make their nonfiction writing more compelling. They need to reflect on how carefully selected details can bring a setting to life and invite their reader to understand more deeply. Focused on the process and traits of being a writer and how to best address the needs and expectations of nonfiction readers, Linda Hoyt's Crafting Nonfiction offers targeted minilessons that will help you elevate craft, integrate trait-based instruction, and elevate control over conventions. Click here to learn more about The Explorations in Nonfiction Writing Series.

This timely book uses thinking structures to deepen student writing. It revolves around “brain pockets” to help students appreciate the qualities of different writing forms. Some powerful examples include memory pockets for personal narrative writing, fact pockets for nonfiction, and imagination pockets for story writing. Detailed lesson plans are featured along with sample anchor books and book lists. Based on extensive classroom testing, student samples throughout the book illustrate this unique approach to teaching writing. Suggestions for setting up an effective writing program and assessment tips for guiding instruction complete this comprehensive approach to developing a year-long writing program.

As teachers, the beginning of each school year presents us with fresh starts and opportunities. How will we build community and create a culture that values thinking, learning, and risk-taking? How can we create a safe environment where all learners feel welcome and valued? As writing teachers, it’s of utmost importance that we launch our students into the world of writing in a way that engages them and helps to build their confidence. In this book, Kelly Boswell shares a variety of ways to kick-start the school year and invite students to engage in meaningful, purposeful and joyful writing experiences.

Modeling is one of the most effective of all teaching strategies and yet many teachers overlook this powerful tool in writing instruction. When teachers think aloud and then craft a piece of writing in front of their students, they give student writers a peek into what is possible in their own writing. In this book, Kelly Boswell shows you how to transform student writers by infusing short bursts of purposeful teacher modeling. As students watch an adult writer think, talk, and write, they can develop the skills needed in order to create writing that is both polished and purposeful. Tony Stead, educator, internationally known literacy specialist and author, says, "Finally! Not just another book about how to teach writing, but one that targets the power of modeled writing. What a delight it is to read this professional resource that highlights the importance of this strategy as the cornerstone to successful teaching and learning of the writing process."

How do we teach elementary students to independently use the different elements of craft that are discussed and taught in lessons? We begin by honoring the reality that terms like voice, sentence fluency, and writing with detail are descriptions of where we want our students to be, not next steps on how to reach those goals. In Crafting Writers, K-6 Elizabeth Hale shows us how to identify specific elements of craft when assessing student work and planning instruction, and use them to teach students the specific craft techniques that will move them forward as writers. Liz offers practical information that teachers can use immediately in their classrooms. She also presents a concrete process for noticing craft in writing so teachers can develop and plan craft lessons based on their students' writing. Learning the techniques that make up good writing also allows teachers to see craft in many different levels of writing, a skill that is particularly powerful when conferring with below-grade-level writers. Additional chapters look closely at assessment and classroom management practices like group conferring. Most of us know good writing when we read it, but writing teachers need to know what makes it work. Filled with easy-to-use charts, and practical lessons, Crafting Writers, K-6 provides clear insight into identifying and teaching the small elements that make good writing successful.