Chapter 1 The Shrug, the Slump, and the Sharpening of Pencils 1
Let’s take a glimpse at what it looks like in a classroom when kids aren’t excited about writing and then consider a few truths about writing and writers.
Chapter 2 Use Mentors and Modeling to Fuel Engagement 13
Writers benefit when someone shows them how to wrangle their thoughts into writing.
Chapter 3 Create a Safe and Daily Space for Writing 39
If providing a safe and daily space is helpful—and maybe even necessary—for those who write with enthusiasm and energy, how much more helpful (and necessary) is it for those who approach writing with apprehension?
Chapter 4 Expose Writers to Real Readers 67
When we invite students to do the real work of writing—writing for readers who matter to them––energy and engagement soar.
Chapter 5 Offer Choice 91
When we are given choices, instead of being told what to do, we feel empowered and respected. The same is true for our young writers!
Chapter 6 Maintain a Healthy Perspective on Conventions 115
Our challenge as teachers of writing is to strike a healthy balance between teach-ing conventions and overemphasizing them, which can quench the joy of writing.
Chapter 7 Shape Writing Identity Through Assessment 143
What if we stopped viewing ourselves as the corrector-in-chief and instead ap-proached students’ writing with a marveled curiosity?
Chapter 8 It Starts with Us 167
As we launch into this work, let’s consider a few things we can do as teachers of writing to reignite our own energy and joy.
References 173