Full Description
"Teachers encounter struggling writers every day. Here's a great guide with practical advice and lots of wisdom—covering everything from pencil grip to the power of praise—that will lift up struggling writers and their teachers."
—Richard Gentry, Researcher, Author, Educational Consultant
Catch young writers before they fall through the cracks!
The ideal companion to Connie Hebert's Catch a Falling Reader, this easy-to-use resource helps K-3 teachers "catch" falling writers before feelings of frustration, defeat, and low confidence develop, making it difficult for children to catch up.
Catch a Falling Writer presents concise approaches for engaging and working with young writers who have challenges with language, vocabulary, fine-motor competency, grammar, diction, correct pencil grip, or letter/sound recognition. Perfect for teachers, literacy specialists and coaches, special education teachers, and student teachers striving to close the gap between reading instruction and writing proficiency, this resource presents:
Innovative, research-based strategies for engaging students in writing, setting a purpose for writing, and teaching the mechanics of writing
Strategies that can be used as curriculum supplements to foster independent writing
Resources and Web sites for further information
Prepare students to meet the growing demands of upper grade levels by boosting their writing capabilities!
Contents
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
Part I. Engaging in Writing
Catch a Falling Writer by...Generating Meaningful Discussions
Catch a Falling Writer by...Scaffolding Ideas for Writing
Catch a Falling Writer by...Using Wordless Picture Books
Catch a Falling Writer by...Activating Prior Knowledge
Catch a Falling Writer by...Modeling HOW to Write
Catch a Falling Writer by...Creating a Vocabulary "Shopping Cart"
Catch a Falling Writer by...Motivating With Puppets
Catch a Falling Writer by...Encouraging Dramatic Expression
Catch a Falling Writer by...Teaching the Purpose of a Web
Catch a Falling Writer by...Introducing a Story Frame
Catch a Falling Writer by...Maintaining a Motivating Writing Center
Part II. The Mechanics of Writing
Catch a Falling Writer by...Correcting the Pencil Grip
Catch a Falling Writer by...Using a Variety of Tools
Catch a Falling Writer by...Starting With Unlined Paper and Paper Plates
Catch a Falling Writer by...Teaching Proper Penmanship Positions
Catch a Falling Writer by...Attending to Directionality and Spacing
Catch a Falling Writer by...Correcting Errors
Catch a Falling Writer by...Articulating Words Aloud
Catch a Falling Writer by...Tapping, Stomping, and Jumping Words
Catch a Falling Writer by...Practicing Letter Formations and Sight Words
Catch a Falling Writer by...Rebuilding Cut-Up Sentences
Part III. Creating Independence
Catch a Falling Writer by...Using Verbal Prompts for Self-Editing
Catch a Falling Writer by...Offering a Pinch of Praise
Catch a Falling Writer by...Recording Oral Responses on Sticky Notes
Catch a Falling Writer by...Offering a Variety of Focus Sheets
Catch a Falling Writer by...Dealing With Procrastination
Catch a Falling Writer by...Using a Variety of "Good" Questions
Catch a Falling Writer by...Adding Art, Music, & Drama
Catch a Falling Writer by...Connecting Writing With Reading
Catch a Falling Writer by...Guiding Writers in Small-Group Instruction
Appendix: Focus Sheets
Recommended Web Sites, Research, and Texts
