Tools for Teaching Writing: Strategies and Interventions for Diverse Learners in Grades 3-8

We have a writing crisis on our hands. National results reveal that only about a quarter of 8th and 12th grade students in the United States have reached grade-level proficiency. Their scores reveal that far too many students aren’t ready for college or prepared to meet the writing demands of the 21st century workplace.

Students struggle with writing for the simple reason that it is remarkably complex. Writing is a lengthy process; demands intense concentration; and requires attention to countless rules, conventions, and traits. In short, the patience and dedication necessary can be overwhelming.

The strategies and tools presented in this book target struggling writers in grades 3-8 (in any classroom around the world) and teachers with limited time. Campos and Fad describe eight traits that lead to writing success: focus, coherence, organization, development of ideas, voice, word choice, conventions, and presentation. With a solid understanding of these traits, students are firmly positioned on the road to mastery. The following materials are included (and available as printable downloads):

Writing prompts. Evaluation protocols. Reflection forms. 30 step-by-step writing strategies. Reproducible worksheets and graphic organizers. Differentiated strategies for ELLs and struggling readers. Progress monitoring forms. Parent resources.

This book will help teachers teach writing to students with diverse learning styles, and the powerful tools presented are aligned with national standards and can be used immediately in lesson planning.