Product Description
Creative Writing is the essential guide for students wanting to develop their literacy skills and improve their grades in English assignments and exams. Creative Writing will guide students through the story writing process. This book is designed to help the child with thinking up ideas, providing starting points for writing, structuring and organizing their writing into paragraphs. It features writing a good introduction with characters, setting and plot, building up suspense and winding up the plot with a suitable resolution. Attention is given to making writing more interesting by varying sentence types, using punctuation and good grammar. The student will investigate different narrative structures for writing stories, exploring various viewpoints so they can decide if they write in first or third person. They will learn to evoke mood and atmosphere by using good vocabulary. Model answers, sample texts and practice questions are included. Common errors are highlighted and corrected. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is jam packed with models and mini-lessons, rubrics and reproducibles, plus 20 ready-to-use overhead transparencies. This book is designed to provide quick inspiration when and where you need it most: in your writing class. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Writing
FANTASTIC teaching resource for middle school students. It teaches writing skills engaging the students - having fun while learning the writing process. Book in great condition! Received within a few days of the order. Thanks!

Imperative resource for teachers of writing
This is a fantastic resource for any teachers who have been 'instructed' to use the 6+1 traits model! It has so many practical ideas and my students have been really enthusiastic about the activities.

I've noticed a change in my students' writing, and I must admit this is the first resource I turn to for writing tasks.

Very teacher-friendly.
This book has some really unique ideas. My students very much enjoyed the activities and became excited about writing.There are overheads included, and it well worth the reasonable price.

Great resource
I teach 4th grade and writing is a tested skill in NC in 4th grade.I am so excited about this resource.It gives me a lot of great strategies and lessons. ... Read more

Product Description
In this amazing kit, writing expert Ruth Culham gives you grade-perfect picture books with in-depth lessons to help you teach the traits of writing—ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. The fourth-grade version includes

* 6 picture books: A Bad Case of Stripes; The Mud Pony; My Mama Had a Dancing Heart; Come On Rain; When Comma Came to Town; and Wolf!

* Six 16-page teaching guides, each with a step-by-step model lesson, graphic organizers, a scoring rubric, and extension activities;

* 12 transparencies; and

* 6 colorful teaching posters.

Add to this Culham's best-selling professional book, Using Picture Books to Teach Writing With the Traits, and color-coded stickers, and you’ve got a complete resource for teaching with the traits. Best of all, these materials are organized in a sturdy box with hanging folders—one for each trait—for easy, expandable storage that will accommodate trait-based lesson materials for years to come. For use with Grade 4. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Trait Crates
I am an office manager at an elementary school and we purchased these trait crates for our teachers to use with their classes.Our teachers absolutely love these trait crates and it has helped our students tremendously with learning their traits for effective writing.I would recommend these trait crates to anyone interested in helping their students to excel.

Was hoping for more
The lessons and books are good, but there's only one book and lesson for each of the traits. It'll get you started, but then it's up to you. All good stuff - just seems a little thin.

Trait Crate
The Trait Crate is a great timesaver. It has everything that you could possibly need to teach the 6 plus 1 Writing Traits all in one place. Included are posters for each trait that I have laminated. On the back of each poster are also additional lesson ideas. Each trait also has a picture book and a very detailed model lesson book to use complete with reproducibles. They are SO easy to use that they really save you time in lesson planning.
I have seen my students' interest in writing increase with the use of this crate. They want me to use the writing crate. I also like the fact that everything can be stored in one strong crate and I don't have to go looking for papers in different file cabinets or notebooks.
This Trait Crate is a must have for anyone that teaches writing using the 6 plus 1 Writing Traits. I teach 4th grade and just love it.

What a great deal!
Really, this would be 4-1/2 . . . .



I have been wanting to buy this item for a long time, and it went on sale, so I snapped it up.I finally have a great set of "6 Traits" posters, along with story/picture books with which to teach each trait, AND a box/file in which to keep everything organized.The other fourth grade teachers at my school are envious!



The only drawback that I could see with the Trait Crate is that one of the books included was not directly linked to a trait (on the suggested books list for each trait in the teacher's manual), and assume it was for the remaining trait on which a book was not included.

What Will Dr. Culham Think of Next?
I am absolutely in love with this kit. I teach 4th grade at a Title 1 school in Central Florida, and we have gone through different writing programs, searching for the best one to meet our student needs. As the school's unofficial Writing Coach, I have found that no other writing materials pack as much punch to improve student writing as the 6 Traits. This kit provides the perfect starter set for anyone interested in teaching writing with the 6 Traits Model. It includes picture books, step-by-step lessons, sticker labels, posters, transparencies, and Dr. Culham's reknowned professional book, Using Picture Books to Teach Writing with the Traits. Although it is targeted for Grades 3-5, this kit certainly paves the way for any teacher who wants to improve their students' writing - at any grade level. I highly reccommend any of the 6 Trait Resources! ... Read more

Product Description
A distinctive collection of more than 90 effective poetry-writing exercises combined with corresponding essays to inspire writers of all levels. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

great
Stated the product as like new, it was exactly that. Sent personal confirmation email within the first 24 hours... got my book extremely fast. Thank You.

I LOVE poetry, so I'll be honest about this book:
Some writers have wonderful exercises that have helped me write and rewrite poetry. Even if you're not a poet, some of these exercises can help you. Like all books, some things will work for you, and other things will not. But overall, I like the way the book is divided. You can go straight to the section you love (or would love) to write about!

THE PRACTICE OF POETRY
Some of the exercises stimulate the muse, while others are a bit brief.
The index at the back should have covered topics and concepts.

Long and involved
These exercises are quite involved.I was hoping for some exercises for writing poetry in the high school classroom.These took quite a bit of time, but resulted in some good poems.

Not bad
Very detailed, a little too structured for my taste. I would however, reccommend it to more disciplined poets or writers. Good to have as a reference tool. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The best book in print on how to teach writing.
I stumbled on the first edition of this book in the late seventies while I was preparing to teach a college course in how to teach writing for English and education majors.I don't know about my students but the booktransformed my teaching.

This book covers the hows and whys of teachingwriting as a process rather than as a product.It comes from a very activepublishing writer who writes very well and knows how to teach, even throughhis very words on the page.From discoverying what to write about, tofocusing on an audience, to accomplishing one's purpose from writing,Murray's book is not only instructive in its presentation but is also anexcellent model for audience, purpose, and the processes a writer can useto accomplish his/her goals.Revision is Murray's forte.He believes itto be the key to successful writing.

"A Writer Teaches Writing"assumes that the teacher writes.Certainly, Murray does, and so well thatall other books on the subject are ecllipsed by this masterpiece. ... Read more

Product Description

Presenting best practices in an easy-to-use format, literacy expert Bonnie Burns provides practical, research-based strategies for all aspects of literacy education.

Customer Reviews (4)

I wish I had this book 20 years ago!
This book should be compulsory reading for every person considering a career in the teaching profession.I have taught for twenty plus years, and only recently discovered this book.After borrowing it from the library I had to have my own copy.A treasure trove of practical teaching suggestions.Not just a book of theory underpinnings. I thought my purchase through Amazon was of a second hand book.The book I received was in mint condition!I am very very happy with my purchase!

good
Delivery was speedy. Book was in good condition but had some highlighting and writing inside.

BORING!!!!
I purchased this book for a class and I cannot find any merit in it.There is nothing to use for the classroom.I am tired of theory.I want to learn practical strategies that will help me be a better teacher.This is more waste of paper.The poor trees!

Excellent strategies for all teachers
This book contains excellent strategies for ALL teachers -- not just primary level and/or reading teachers. All teachers should be accountable for helping our students read and learn to respond to the written word.Sadly, this task generally falls on the shoulders of the English and Reading teachers only.

This book contains strategies which are easily applied into any curriculum and adaptable to any grade level from Kindergarten through 12th grade. If I had teachers who taught me HOW to read a textbook, rather than assigning readings and expecting their students to know how to read correctly and take notes on the readings, I would have had a much easier time in my first years of college.Upper level teachers take for granted that their students know how to read, and know how to read well. This book is an eye-opener on the various levels of reading and responding to text through writing in order to make sense of the written word.Not just for struggling readers, but for ALL readers. ... Read more

Product Description
Preparing to Teach Writing: Research, Theory, and Practice, Third Edition is a comprehensive survey of theories, research, and methods associated with teaching composition successfully. The primary goal is to provide practicing and prospective teachers with the knowledge they need to be effective teachers of writing and to prepare them for the many challenges they will face in the classroom.

Overall, the third edition of Preparing to Teach Writing is clearer and more comprehensive than the previous editions. It combines the best of the old with new information and features. The discussions and references to foundational studies that helped define the field of rhetoric and composition are preserved in this edition. Also preserved is most of the pedagogical apparatus that characterized the first two editions; research and theory are examined with the aim of informing teaching.

New in the Third Edition:
*a more thorough discussion of the history of rhetoric, from its earliest days in ancient Greece to the first American composition courses offered at Harvard University in 1874; *a major revision of the examination of major approaches to teaching writing--current-traditional rhetoric, new rhetoric, romantic rhetoric, writing across the curriculum, social-theoretic rhetoric, postmodern rhetoric, and post-postmodern rhetoric--considering their strengths and weaknesses;
*an extension of the discussion of strengths and weaknesses of major approaches to its logical conclusion--Williams advocates an epistemic approach to writing instruction that demonstrably leads to improved writing instruction when implemented effectively;
*a more detailed account of the phonics--whole language debate that continues to puzzle many teachers and parents;
*a new focus on why grammar instruction alone does not lead to better writing, the difference between grammar and usage, and how to teach grammar and usage effectively;
*an expanded section on Chicano English that now includes a discussion of Spanglish;
*more information on outcome objectives; the Council of Writing Program Administrators' statement of learning outcomes for first-year composition courses has been included to help high school teachers better understand how to prepare high school students for college writing, and to help those in graduate programs prepare for teaching assistantships in first-year composition courses; and
*a more comprehensive analysis of assessment that considers such important factors as the validity, reliability, predictability, cost, fairness, and politics of assessment and the effects on teaching of state-mandated testing, and also provides an expanded section on portfolios.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Resource
Preparing to Teach Writing is not an easy book to look at (very text heavy) but it nonetheless covers much theoretical and practical ground. It divides each chapter into subheadings, has excellent depth of reference. It is an excellent resource. I'll be using it with Peer Writing Tutors to give them a good grounding in theory and practice.

Very Interesting!
This is a very well-written book for teachers.The author seems to know something about every subject that might be related to composition--the bibliography alone should be required reading for all prospective teachers;it's nearly 30 pages.I recommend this book very highly.

A "must read" for teachers
This is the most comprehensive book I've ever seen on composition and teaching.I mean, it has everything--psychology and writing, linguistics and writing, reading and writing.Also, the book goes way beyond theoryand research to explain in clear language how an ordinary teacher like mecan actually apply theory and research in the classroom.This is a reallyfine book, and I recommend it to everyone. ... Read more

Product Description

Not far behind the writer comes a master teacher like Denise Leograndis. She shows us how the magic is done and how we can help our students replicate it in their own work, and she does it in an artful way that draws us into the process.
- Barry Lane

Customer Reviews (4)

Best Resource for Teaching Writing
I have never been confident teaching writing. None of my teacher training classes helped me understand how good writers really write. This is the first resource that clearly spells it out in an easy to read manner. This book is instantly useful in the classroom and gives me easy to implement plans to use with my students. I love how the author's voice comes through and makes the content come across as conversational instead of dry and clinical. I recommend this book for all K - 12 teachers who want to improve the writing skills of their students.

A guide especially for elementary and grade school teachers
Fluent Writing: How To Teach The Art Of Pacing is a guide especially for elementary and grade school teachers about how to teach the skill and art of smoothly pacing one's writing. Chapters cover basic mechanical tool such as the using patterns of threes and how to use "ands and buts" without overdoing it; basic pacing lessons such as learning how to cut irrelevant material; advanced lessons such as how to properly structure paragraphs; and much more. Lessons are supplemented with examples, recommended reading, tips for evaluating student writing, and a wealth of insights. Fluent Writing is very enthusiastically recommended for writing teachers of both public and private schools, and for aspiring writers seeking to hone their craft.

A most valuable resource
Fluent Writing is so clear and easy to read.The lessons it contains are immediately useful, and though I am an experienced writing teacher, really notched up my understanding, my teaching, and consequently the level of my students' narrative writing.

Reading Fluent Writing led me to really understand pacing, and how it is central to effective writing.As I taught the "beginning pacing" lessons in Leograndis's book, I saw my second and third grade students take control of their narratives, purposefully shaping the flow of their stories and sentences, to lead their readers through the journeys these young authors envisioned.

As students reflected on their writing at the end of the school year, many acknowledged their newfound awareness and control of pacing as contributing to their growth as writers.

Since the book was released late in the school year, I haven't yet tapped the "advanced pacing" lessons in the last part of this important book.I'm excited about where these lessons will take my next year's writers!

A refreshing new slant to the teaching of writing
Fluent Writing is well written and a wonderful tool for teachers. Denise did an outstanding job in thinking through her points. The way she used picture books, chapter books and student writing to illustrate those points may be the best examples I've seen. I'm not familiar with another book that shows the power of the fluency of writing (which as she points out is so critical to good writing that holds the attention of the reader) to the extent that she does. I have ordered one for each of my upper grade teachers.

Reba Wadsworth
Principal
Woodmeade Elementary
Decatur, Alabama ... Read more

Product Description
This collection of essays is an outgrowth of the widespread interest shown in sessions of contributed papers on writing given at the 1988 and 1989 Annual Meetings of the MAA. Many of the 30 authors of the essays included in this volume participated in those sessions and each has considerable experience in requiring students to write about mathematics. Included in this volume are essays that: remind professors how frequently mathematicians are asked to write; a theoretical framework by which to assess writing assignments; practical examples of assignments that work. ... Read more

Product Description

Now in an updated second edition How to Teach Writing Across the Curriculum: Ages 6-8 provides a range of practical suggestions for teaching non-fiction writing skills and linking them to children’s learning across the entire curriculum. Providing a number of suggestions for teachers and putting emphasis on creative approaches to teaching children writing in diverse and innovative ways, it provides:

• Techniques for using speaking and listening, drama and games to prepare for writing
• Suggestions for the use of cross-curricular learning as a basis for writing
• Planning frameworks and ‘skeletons’ to promote thinking skills
• Information on key language features of non-fiction texts
• Examples of non-fiction writing
• Guidance on the process of creating writing from note-making

With new hints and tips for teachers and suggestions for reflective practice, How to Teach Writing Across the Curriculum: Ages 6-8 will equip teachers with all the skills and materials needed to create enthusiastic non-fiction writers in their primary classroom.

Product Description

Help your students develop their writing and proofreading skills with hundreds of creative hands-on activities

If you are looking for supplemental material for your writing program or are in search of practical exercises to boost your pupils’ proofreading abilities, this invaluable resource has it all!

Teach Terrific Writing, Grades 4–5 features 170 activities--including an answer key--versatile enough to be adapted to any existing program or approach. This book provides you with all the guidelines and tools you need to develop a classroom of great writers.

With help from Teach Terrific Writing, Grades 4–5your students will learn how to:

• Focus their topics
• Organize ideas
• Write a draft
• Construct paragraphs
• Understand the order of ideas
• Recognize good writing
• Use proofreading strategies
• and much more

Soon your students will become masters at producing complete pieces of writing as well as polishing their work.

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

elephants teach
Perfect condition, the past users underlines helped too!The book is an arduous read but I have to know it so I'm glad I can share the experience with those who have gone before me.

Great experience
Product was mailed immediately and arrived in great conditionThe Elephants Teach: Creative Writing Since 1880.

Useful for context, but dense
This book contains a thorough history of the teaching of creative writing, from its beginnings as a rebellion against the classical study of philology (examining the structure of language in texts) to the workshop-oriented MFA programs where it flourishes today.It begins its study in the 1880's, when scholars lamented what they saw as the suffocating restraints of philology, which at the time was the only type of English study offered at the college level.These students and professors wanted to develop a curriculum focused on the actual content of literature instead of its discrete parts.Eventually, a focus on teaching students how to actually create literature was seen as a way of better understanding it, by studying it "from the inside."The question of whether writing can or should be taught or not is brought up repeatedly but never quite answered, though in the end Myers begrudgingly defends the idea of creative writing for the sake of understanding literature.

Also of note are the accounts of how working writers discovered that teaching writing was a useful way to make a living that was accommodating to their art.In fact, the title refers to this phenomenon.When Vladimir Nabokov was proposed for a teaching position at Harvard, a fellow professor said, "Are we next to appoint an elephant to be Professor of Zoology?"

Myers tracks the development of writing instruction as it split into various branches: basic composition, journalism, literary criticism, and creative writing--the actual production of stories, poems, and essays--as we know it.

Best audience(s) for this book: teachers of any creative writing courses interested in the historical context of the subject, especially those at high school level and above.It certainly is comprehensive, which means something since it's packed into just 168 pages.Thoroughly researched, the book does well to place today's creative writing programs in the larger context of literary study.The writing is very dense and scholarly though, and at times can bog down in critical jargon and excessively long listing of names and places to provide evidence.

Very well researched, but rushed at the end
This book stands out as the only one tracing the history of the teaching of creative writing. Myers's research is very thorough, and his examination of the teaching of writing at Harvard was especially interesting to me. At times, though, the book plods along, fueled more by the devotion to facts of a historian than the keen eye of someone truly invested in creative writing. Ultimately, facts alone aren't enough--how can knowing this history shape the way creative writing is being taught now? I suppose this is a question Myers leaves to his readers, but I feel like it's one that needs to be answered.

The ending of the book felt very rushed to me. I'm most interested in how creative writing has evolved in the last 25 years, and I didn't feel like that chapter wasas thorough as the others. It seems surprising to me, for instance, that Myers didn't once mention John Gardner. The book provides excellent insight into how English (both literature and writing) came to be taught in colleges and universities, and it shows in a way no other book has how creative writing split from composition, but by the end I was still left wanting more.

Very Clear, Systematic History of Creative Writing
As a teacher of writing, I found this book extremely interesting and clear.Myers provides a lucid, organized history of the evolution of the teaching of creative writing in this country.While the book will likely not appeal to a layperson, anyone who plans to teach creative writing or enroll in an expensive creative writing program has a stake in what Myers is saying.I am surprised by other reviewers' comments about Myers' view of creative writing (MFA) programs.Unlike other reviewers, I did not find Myers' remarks venomous or even especially harsh; rather, I found them even-handed and common-sensical. ... Read more

Product Description
This book shows you how to tap into the natural processes of language acquisition by adapting the teaching of language to literature that children like to read. Children learn how text works through stories, songs, and poems that have meaning to them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best Little Book Ever
Do you want to get your early childhood students writing and thinking? Then you must get this little book, it has many ideas for helping young writers get started on creating their own songs, poems and stories.Old favorites are used to build a scaffold for kids "to hang on their own words".If you are tired of pencil and paper pages everyday then this book is for you.It will take a little time to get started but the results will be fantastic. Your students will understand spelling, grammar, reading and writing much more than textbook assignments can give them.You will need blank word cards and chart paper then you and your kids will be ready to go.Oh, also lots of great children's literature.(Which you can get from Amazon.com) It will be fun and rewarding for you and your kids.Don't forget to have them illustrate their creations. And share them in author's chair.The results will be phenomenal.
... Read more

Product Description
Veteran teacher Janiel Wagstaff shows how to harness the power of children's names to teach key reading and writing skills. ABC Name Walls jumpstart lessons on letter-sound correspondence, identifying beginning, middle, and ending sounds, and blending and segmenting sounds. The more advanced Chunking Name Wall helps students spell and decode using patterns in classmates' names. Wagstaff offers tips for creating the walls, introducing the names, and systematically teaching the skills children need to become successful readers and writers—all in a fun and motivating way.For use with Grades K–2. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Resource
I used this book with my kindergarten teachers at an in-service early in the school year.It is an excellent resource with plenty of ideas to involve children using their names for learning.I will continue to share the ideas and recommend this book to pre-K and Kindergarten teachers. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Blah, not what I expected
The book doesn't contain any great information that a good teacher doesn't already know.Don't waste your money.

Very Helpful Resource
Graphic organizers are a critical part of teaching students to use the pre-writing phase.It helps them to get their thoughts down and to give order and focus to their writing.These reproducible worksheets are ready to go for a variety of different types of writing exercises.The authors have done a "tiered" approach so that there are 3 levels of organizers for all activities.Therefore, the book has a broader range of who it will serve.Mainly aimed at elementary (in my opinion) it could be used for some 7th and 8th graders.Topics covered range from as basic as paragraph formation to things such as:voice, dialogue, descriptive language, different types of essays, and more!Also included is some info for the teacher to give suggestions on how to use the organizers.This is NOT an all inclusive type writing program, but definitely a helpful addition to your resource shelf.

differentiation and multiple level learning at its best
This workbook is a must have for any middle school language arts classroom. It incorporates the basic necessary elements needed to develop and nurture growing writers. So many times teachers give assignments but do not develop the scaffolding for students to climb the ladder to success along the way. This will help you do that very things for your students.

Good Investment
I have used this book for two years with my fourth grade class.It provides three different levels of organizers, and is easy to use.The examples they provide are useful, but tend to be for older students.If you are having difficulty getting a writing program off the ground for your students, this may be the place to start. ... Read more

Product Description
Many readers dream of seeing their stories on the silver screen, but most do not know how to write a screenplay, let alone get their script into the right hands. For those readers wanting the "how-tos" of Hollywood, Teach Yourself Screenwriting is an easy-to-comprehend yet thorough introduction to this art. Here they will get the basics and advice on how to get their work onto celluloid.

This book covers the techniques and specialized skills used in writing for this visual medium and answers the practical questions often asked by budding screenwriters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Technical Writing Direction at Its Best
Teach Yourself Screenwriting is one of the best "how-to" books I have in my library. From concept to delivery, it covers every aspect of producing a viable script. I am amazed at the examples that Frensham provides his readers; they are unrivaled. This is a must-read for every budding screenwriter.

Incredible Resource
"Teach Yourself Screenwriting" is a compendium of all things screenwriting. Really. This book takes two pages to fully explain what other books would use a chapter for, and considering its topic, that's incredible.

The author subscribes to the three-act structure theory of storytelling, one to which I also subscribe. However, later in the book--and this goes to show just how in-depth this book is--the author covers other theories of structure in a chapter titled "Structural Variations", like `The Hero's Journey' approach and multi-plotting.

I think the secret to "Teach Yourself..." is the use of a lavish amount of diagrams, flow-charts, and tables all of which are dense with information. Every few pages, the author invites the reader to apply what they have learned in small boxed-off sections, such as this one in the `Enhancing Emotion' chapter:

In Four Weddings And A Funeral, examine the way the David character (Charles's deaf and mute brother) is handled--he has a critical role in the final wedding; we first see him only in passing, standing in the background at the first wedding reception. We next encounter him outside the cinema, and only then do we realize just who he is--and we are already one third into the film. Why was this held back for so long?
Now watch Road To Perdition and note the recurring use of Michael Jr's illustrated book of The Lone Ranger

I don't know if I would be comfortable suggesting this as the only book on screenwriting for a novice (Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting is an incredible resource) but it brilliantly summarizes many if not all of the concepts of screenwriting.

The only negative I can summon up (and I had to struggle for this one) is with the physical book itself: when I read, I like to mark certain important pages with post-it notes. Considering just how dense this book is, that's quite a number of post-it notes. I discovered with some disappointment that post-its pull up the ink when removed.

I would go so far as to say this book must be in every screenwriter's library. MUST.

Easy Read
This is one of the easiest screenwriting books I have read.I have read various books on screenwriting like Screenwriting for Dummies, The Screenwriter's Bible, Making a Good Script Great, and How to Build a Great Screenplay to name a few.

The author takes the reader through every nook and cranny about writing screenplays.The reader is introduced to technical (screenplay layout, dialogue, and scene headings) parts of screenplays, thinking creatively, flushing out your characters, and lastly how the industry works.

The book also has a good section on screenplay internet resources. Use the book as a handy companion screenwriting guide.

Not the first book on screenwriting you should read
This is a very good book. Almost everything about screenwriting is covered. And even more, it has a great pool of information sources pertained to screenwriting.

But, despite its title, it is not a good textbook for a beginning screenwriter, perhaps because it is written in an encyclopedia style. Although I cannot say it is boring, I cannot say it is easy and fun for reading either.

I don't think you should read it as your first book. I would suggest any of those instead: Writing Screenplays That Sell (Michael Hauge), How to Write a Selling Screenplay (Christopher Keane), Writing Your Screenplay (Cynthia Whitcomb), or Writing the Screenplay (Alan Armer) - which I think is the best of all four.

Excellent
I have had time to read just a few pages, but you immediately feel this book has got "the right stuff".
I recommend it! ... Read more

Product Description

Now revised and expanded Speaking Frames: How to Teaching Talk for Writing: Ages 10-14 brings together material from Sue Palmer’s popular Speaking Frames books with additional material covering the primary/secondary transition. Providing an innovative and effective answer to the problem of teaching speaking and listening, this book offers a range of speaking frames for children to orally ‘fill in’, developing their language patterns and creativity, 'and boosting their confidence in the use of literate language patterns. Fully updated, this book offers:'

• Material for individual paired and group presentations and talk for writing
• Links to cross-curricular ‘Skeletons’
• Transition material and guidance on ‘bridging the gap’ between primary and secondary schools
• Support notes for teachers and assessment guidance
• Advice on flexible progression and working to a child’s ability
• Suggestions for developing individual pupils' spoken language skills

With a wealth of photocopiable sheets and creative ideas for speaking and listening, Speaking Frames: How to Teaching Talk for Writing: Ages 10-14 is essential reading for all practising, trainee and recently qualified teachers who wish to develop effective speaking and listening in their classroom.

Product Description
Motivating Reproducible Lessons Paired With Teaching Ideas That Coach Your Students Toward Powerful Writing
Helps Students Meet Language Arts Standards!
Must-have writing lessons packed with reproducible, kid-friendly practice pages that target common writing roadblocks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Too Elementary
I bought this book with the hopes of using it with my 8th grade class. After analyzing the lessons, I discovered that many if not all were too elementary for use with that age level. The cover suggests it can be used with grades 4-8, but I can't really see it working in grades 7 or 8.

Learning to write is fun!
This book takes the process of learning to write and makes it fun for students. The idea of placing learning to write within the framework of a sports metaphor works for this book aimed at middle schoolers.Looking back on my own experience with learning how to write, I really wish these lessons had been around; my teachers and classmates would have applauded.

Andrew Larson, Indiana Communications Major

Writing Strategies That Engage Students!
Patricia Tabb and Nancy Delano Moore show that they have the "write stuff" in their new book, Ready-to-Go Writing Lessons That Teach Key Strategies.Tips and strategies for teaching writing are shared through eighteen practical and insightful lesson plans that cover the writing process.Each lesson is easy to follow and can be readily adapted to cover a wide range of student experience levels.Particularly appealing is the "Literature Resource" section included in all of the lesson plans.Literature excerpts or authors' comments that connect directly to the writing lesson being taught are immediately at one's fingertips.What a time saver for busy teachers!This book is sure to become a favorite of language arts teachers everywhere. ... Read more

Product Description

For budding screenwriters, this is their go-to, comprehensive, jargon-free guide

Break Into Screenwriting's aim is not just to guide you through the techniques and skills they need to write for the screen (film and television), but also to give them guidance on how to approach the industry as a whole. Focusing on every aspect of screenwriting, from how to set about the writing process to how to develop one's characters, plot and structure, this book will give budding screenwriters all the guidance they need to break into this highly competitive industry and make careers for themselves as screenwriters.

• One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
• Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author’s many years of experience.
• Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
• Extra online articles at teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of screenwriting.
• Includes a foreword by Andrew Davies, screenwriter of "Pride and Prejudice," "Little Dorrit," and "Bridget Jones's Diary."
• Fully updated to include discussion of the most recent films and developments in this fast-moving industry.

Topics include:
Acknowledgements; introduction; screenplay layout: your visual language; originating your ideas; developing your ideas: from idea to framework; creating your characters; character growth, motivation and conflict; structure; structural variations; 'deep structure'; enhancing emotion; the next step; the actual writing; the craft of the rewrite; the 'finished' item; assembling your portfolio; copyright; agents: what they do, how to get and keep one; adaptations, shorts, soaps, series, sitcoms and collaborations; the industry: how it works and your place in it; your career as a writer; final comments; appendices

Product Description
Designed for writers of any childrens' literature, be it fiction, non-fiction or faction, this popular and successful title has been fully updated and expanded to include the latest developments in the field of children's publishing. In addition to the already substantial coverage of everything from what to write to how to submit, it features new material on the'crossover' genre introduced by Harry Potter, on the implications of television and film projects, on new ways of producing your work, the latest technologies and even how - if you so wish - to self publish. Further additional material includes a number of exercises to develop your skills, in addition to the usual indispensable teach yourself resources and supporting materials. ... Read more