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 details 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 teachers how to identify the specific elements of craft when assessing student work and planning instruction, and use them to teach students the techniques that will move them forward as writers. (K-6) 272 pp.
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.
