Whether they have learning disabilities or just need extra help, struggling writers can improve their skills
dramatically if they get the detailed, explicit instruction they need. This practical guidebook shows elementary
school teachers how to make this systematic instruction part of their classroom. Educators will find a wide range
of specific strategies that include
activities for every phase of the writing process, from brainstorming and goal-setting to revising
proof of effectiveness with students who have learning disabilities (field-testing data included)
guidelines on how to teach the strategies and use them across grades
easy-to-learn formats for students, such as mnemonic devices and short step-by-step action plans
exercises specially tailored for different types of writing, including stories, explanations, persuasive essays,
reports, and comparisons
everything teachers need -- no additional materials necessary
Photocopiable student worksheets give teachers ready-to-use writing activities, and before-and-after examples
of student writing demonstrate how the strategies work. With these practical, scientifically validated ideas and
exercises, teachers will help struggling students develop a toolbox of skills to improve their classwork and change
the way they feel about writing.
Table of Contents
Section I. The Power of Writing
Writing Uphill. Why Strategy Instruction Is Important
Writing Is a Dog's Life. A Guide to Writing Difficulties
Section II. Strategies for Teaching Planning, Writing, and Revising
How to Teach Writing Strategies
Section III. Writing Strategies That Can Be Applied Broadly
PLEASE. A Paragraph Writing Strategy
PLANS. A Goal-Setting Strategy
STOP and LIST. Goal Setting, Brainstorming, and Organizing
The Peer Revising Strategy
The CDO Revising Strategy
Summarizing Written Text
Section IV. Writing Strategies That Are Genre Specific
Story Writing
Persuasive Writing
Writing Explanations
Writing a Comparison/Contrast Paper
Report Writing
Section V. Strategies for Self-Regulating and the Writing Process
Self-Monitoring
Goal Setting
Section VI. Making It Work
Guidelines for Implementing Writing Strategy Instruction
