Writing

Articles

• Author Studies and Writing
• Local History and Family Stories

Professional Books for Teaching Writing

These book reviews by Carol Otis Hurst first appeared in Teaching K-8 Magazine.

McCracken, Robert and Marlene. Stories, Songs and Poetry to Teach Reading and Writing Literacy through Language - (Peguis, 1987 ISBN 0-920541-35-6)
This book is far from new, but it has some wonderful techniques for helping readers interact with text.

Atwell, Nancie. Coming to Know: Writing to Learn in the Intermediate Grades.
Nancie Atwell has compiled a series of articles about reading in the content areas.

Scarffe, Bronwen and Lorraine Wilson. You Can't Make a Book in a Day. Illustrated by Philip Gray (Robert Andersen Assoc. 318b Glenferrie Road, Malvern, Victoria, Australia ISBN 0949133183).
This import from Australia is a good resource for whole language work. With all the emphasis on writing in libraries and classrooms, we need such books as this which, in very clear format, outline ideas and suggestions for turning kids' writing into published books. There are chapters on: the role of the teacher in keeping in touch, developing awareness, steps in publishing, the classroom publishing area, making contact with authors and publishers, and some ditto masters for decision making. There's also a very good bibliography. If the process has been defeating you, this book may offer some help.

Professional Books for Teaching Spelling:

Phenix, Jo and Doreen Scott-Dunne. Spelling Instruction that Makes Sense. (Oryx, 1992)
I very much like this book on teaching spelling

David Booth has compiled a series of writings called Spelling Links: Reflections on Spelling and Its Place in the Curriculum (Pembroke, 1991 ISBN 0921217692.)

Ethel Buchanan's Spelling for Whole Language Classrooms (Whole Language Consultants, available through Richard C. Owen, 1989 ISBN 0921253176) is an attempt to make connections between a theory of spelling development, instruction and evaluation.

Portfolio Assessment:

Robert J. Tierney, , Mark A. Carter, and Laura E. Desai studied the use of portfolios in local school systems for three years before they compiled Portfolio Assessment in the Reading-Writing Classroom (Christopher Gordon, 1991 ISBN 0926842080.)

For your convenience you can order these books directly from an online bookstore (Amazon.com):
Caution: Bookmark this page now so you can return when you are done with your order.

Order (You can always change your mind later.):
• McCracken, Robert and Marlene. Stories, Songs and Poetry to Teach Reading and Writing Literacy through Language
• Atwell, Nancie. Coming to Know: Writing to Learn in the Intermediate Grades.
• Phenix, Jo and Doreen Scott-Dunne. Spelling Instruction that Makes Sense.
• Booth, David. Spelling Links: Reflections on Spelling and Its Place in the Curriculum
• Ethel Buchanan's Spelling for Whole Language Classrooms
• Robert J. Tierney, , Mark A. Carter, and Laura E. Desai. Portfolio Assessment in the Reading-Writing Classroom

Here's more information about our direct order service.

Related Areas of This Site

• Curriculum Areas
• Professional Subjects
• The Moon and I by Betsy Byars. A related kids book review.

Related Web Sites

• Using Picture Books to Teach Narrative and Six Trait Writing