Writing Better

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.