Learning to Write with Purpose: Effective Instruction in Grades 4-8 (Solving Problems in the Teaching of Literacy)

Allan, Karen Kuelthau, McMackin, Mary C., Dawes, Erika Thuli

ISBN 10: 1606231251 / ISBN 13: 9781606231258

Published by The Guilford Press, 2009

About this Item

Seller Inventory # Abebooks518892

Bibliographic Details

Title: Learning to Write with Purpose: Effective ...

Publisher: The Guilford Press

Publication Date: 2009

Binding: Paperback

Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis:

Communicating ideas and information is what makes writing meaningful—yet many upper elementary and middle school students write in a vacuum, without considering the aims of their writing or the needs of their readers. This highly informative, teacher-friendly book presents a fresh perspective on writing instruction along with practical methods for the classroom. Teachers learn ways to promote the skills and strategies needed to write and revise effectively in a range of genres: personal narratives, fiction, and poetry; persuasive, explanatory, and ""how-to"" writing; and writing for high-stakes tests. Special features include vivid classroom vignettes, examples of student work, evaluation guidelines, and suggested ""mentor texts"" that model different genres.

Review:

"This invaluable resource advances and illustrates a well-researched perspective: that learning to write happens most effectively when embedded in purposeful communication. Teachers will find helpful models for conceptualizing instruction, along with many rich examples of practices that bring the idea of 'writing with purpose' into the classroom. The book’s attention to genre as a cornerstone of writing instruction is especially worthwhile."--Mary M. Juzwik, PhD, Department of Teacher Education, Michigan State University

"As a veteran teacher of 20-plus years, I highly recommend this book. The authors have synthesized writing research into practical instructional strategies that teachers can easily implement in real-world classroom situations. The book gives us valuable tools for helping students become effective writers, capable of communicating critically across the curriculum."--Charlene Douglas, MEd, language arts teacher/literacy specialist, Andrews Middle School, Medford, Massachusetts

"I found this highly effective book to be readable and engaging. The authors do a good job of presenting theory and research in an accessible manner, without jargon and 'educationese.' They have a practitioner’s voice, often referring to their own students. Boxes at the end of each chapter suggest great activities for teachers or prospective teachers to apply, and the tables and summaries throughout the book are excellent."--Ruie Jane Pritchard, PhD, Coordinator of English Education and Director, Capital Area Writing Project, North Carolina State University