DWashington

 Craft Lessons Teaching Writing K-8 (Pgs.1-13)

Why are some students better writers than others? How can I teach my students the craft of writing? These questions are addressed in the beginning section of this book. Writing is a developmental process, and it is important that as a teacher, I understand what are reasonable expectations for my students at each grade level. This section does not stress a "rigid" scope and sequence of writing development. The emphasis is placed on teachers having a profound knowledge of writing, what are realistic expectations for writers and how they develop as they move from grade to grade.This is especially valuable to me as a resource teacher. I will be able to adapt many of the craft skills to meet the special needs of my students. This will enable them to better understand the writing process from the very beginning.  Tangible ways are given to help me as a teacher instruct my students in the" craft" of writing.  The authors believe that understanding the craft of writing is  at the heart of becoming a better writer. The  craft lessons are presented in three sections: the first for teachers of primary writers in grades K-2, the second for teachers of students in grades 3-4, and the third for teachers of students in grades 5-8. Lessons can be adapted from other grades to fit the particular needs of my students also. This section also emphasizes the importance of the writing conference between  the teacher and the student. It is also necessary that students understand the inside process of writing and not just writing  what they think the teacher wants them to write. Students should be taught to read  as "writers"  also.These rereading skills can be crucial to the writing process the authors feel. This can help the students learn to identify setting, inner story, detail, etc. This then can be carried over into the writing process. This particular craft skill will be most helpful to my resource students in helping them to break the writing process down into meaningful parts.