Discusses how earlier in his career the author did nothing to make nonfiction an integral part of his curriculum, nothing to help students critically read it or, more important, use it to inform the nonfiction he was asking them to write. Discusses a series of writing assignments using nonfiction. (SG)

Notes that names are the first words most children write and that learning to write their name can be highly motivating for preschoolers. Addresses: why preschool children should be encouraged to write their names; organizing and facilitating the sign-in process at school; how children develop their ability to write their names; and the benefits…

Maintains that all teachers on interdisciplinary teams in middle schools should teach writing. Examines how content area teachers can use writing to enhance learning. Looks at three levels of student writing (correlated with complexity and time) that may be useful in content area classes. Discusses concerns about writing in content areas. (SR)

Claims that in contrast to the view that attention to genre stifles creativity, genre theory offers useful possibilities for fostering student insight into the nature of academic writing. Argues that knowledge of genre helps students see writing as a social construction. (NH)

Draws on the work of three students to argue for the value of treating writing as a tool for knowledge building. Claims when writing is used in this way, (1) students extend their repertoire of writing strategies, and (2) the effort students put into creating functionally effective texts plays a role in their learning. (NH)

Describes a writing class activity to encourage peer feedback when peers are reluctant to give it. Notes how it invites personal dialectic and critical analysis while protecting the writer's originality and sense of control. (SR)

Offers 4 brief descriptions from college writing teachers of activities they use successfully. Describes using a "round robin" process for group writing and revision; addressing stylistic and grammatical issues by using anonymous student writing; "showing" versus "telling" words; and using film to model "larger" meaning in personal narrative. (SR)

Investigates the feasibility of using sub-headings similar to those found in structured abstracts to facilitate the writing and reading of scientific papers. Claims the use of sub-headings: (1) forces the writer to make sure no issue is forgotten; and (2) enables the reader to search for and find information more easily. (NH)

Describes the evolution of the author's children's picture book, "An Amish Christmas." Notes how he refers to "Christmas in Noisy Village" (1964) by Astrid Lindgren, a praised children's Christmas book. Describes how he used Lindgren's economical use of words and book format as a guide. (SG)

This article presents an adaptation from Communicator, 29 (January 2006), 5-6, in which the author discusses the value of a newspaper as well as the benefits of having a student-run newspaper at a school and highlights the use of school newspapers as a teaching tool. A school newspaper is an excellent way for students to practice their writing and…

The areas of reading comprehension theory that provide insights for writers are examined and the way in which a basic knowledge of reading theory provides a backdrop for explicating certain conventions and responding to certain problem area in student writing are explored. With the examples of successful classroom activities, it is shown how a…

The idea that formal grammar teaching leads to improvements in school pupils' writing has been a popular one. However, the robust and extensive evidence base shows that this is not the case. Despite this, policy initiatives have continued to suggest that grammar teaching does improve pupils' writing: the "Grammar for Writing" resource is…

Writing, and the vocabulary building that goes with it, is a more complex process than merely putting words on a page. In the process of acquiring vocabulary, for example, students need to understand not just what individual words mean but also which combinations of these words in sentences or paragraphs convey a meaningful message to the reader…

In response to widespread concern that many American students do not write well enough to meet the requirements of higher education and the workplace, the College Board's National Commission on Writing in America's Schools and Colleges has called for a writing revolution. A key component of this revolution is evaluation, with particular emphasis…

In this article, the author talks about Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down the Bones." Over the past 20 years, she has referred to its pages whenever she needs a chapter of cheery Buddhist philosophy to soften an onslaught of editorial rejection slips. In the midst of any heady publishing success, she turns to the book to remind her that,…