Writing from Scratch

WHET YOUR STUDENTS' APPETITE FOR WRITING WITH FUN "RECIPES" AND EASY-TO-USE TECHNIQUES

There comes a point in every teacher's career when we realize that ready-made lesson plans and one-size-fits-all activities aren't sparking students' passion for writing. Just as homemade cookies are better than store-bought, writing lessons that are tailored to students' particular needs and interests are always going to be more engaging. Writing from Scratch: Lesson Plans to Boost Your Classroom Writing Instruction is a "cookbook" for crafting writing lessons that will not only get students writing, but help transform them into writers.

Great writing instruction doesn't have to be difficult. In this book, award-winning educator Shannon Anderson shares simple ideas for incorporating writing into any elementary classroom. "Cooking demonstrations" give you step-by-step instructions and examples for using each technique. Flip through to the topics that interest you most and teach students how to:

• Brainstorm writing topics
• Add details and dialogue
• Create settings and characters
• Write letters, diaries, poems, how-tos, and more
• Use devices like metaphor and hyperbole
• Incorporate humor and emotion
• Edit and revise their work

You'll also discover fun creative writing exercises, planning tips, and guidance on setting young writers up for success. Writing from Scratch is a great supplement for elementary teachers ready to cook up great writing lessons.