Writing Workshop Survival Kit (J-B Ed:Survival Guides)

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Summary: Great for teachers wanting to do a different English class!
Review: Great resource for those wanting to try a different approach to teaching kids English grammar stuff--have them write!

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Summary: Excellent resource written by a teacher, for teachers.
Review: My principal was so impressed with the depth and scope of this book that she has ordered copies for the entire staff at the K-6 elementary school I teach.

Mr. Muscala has written an easy to follow, user friendly guide to establishing, and maintaining a full-fledged writer's workshop in your classroom. Clear, concise strategies, combined with reproducables make this book a wonderful resource for the money.

A must-have for K-12 Language Arts teachers.

Rating:
Summary: Writing Workshop Must Have!
Review: The Writing Workshop Survival Kit is a thorough and user-friendly resource for teachers who teach 4-12. I have perused a number of writing workshop books, but this one was the most complete.

This book is broken up into two main parts. The first part of the book includes information on the teacher's role as a writing facilitator and on managing a writing workshop. Reproducibles on student responsibilities, rules for working in groups, and assessments are inserted throughout the first two chapters. The book then addresses the five steps of the writing process. Again, reproducibles for each step of the writing process are included as well as activities that help students think about the writing process.

Finally, the second part of the book is divided into three sections that all feature writing mini-lessons under the following categories: mini-lessons for types of writing, mini-lessons for the art of writing, and mini-lessons for the mechanics of writing. The first category of mini-lessons includes 16 lessons on writing different types of writing such as letters, reviews, poems, plays, narratives, and essays. The second category of mini-lessons includes 25 lessons that discuss writing effectively such as writing effective leads, writing conclusions, developing imagery, and writing effective transitions. The final category of mini-lessons includes 58 lessons that address the proper usage of grammar.

Again, this is a thorough resource for teachers who teach the 4-12 grades. A writing workshop can be implemented in a Language Arts program with the sole use of this book. This book is an easy read, includes a large number of reproducibles, and provides everything that a teacher needs in order to begin a writing workshop in their class. A must have for teachers who wish to bring excitement into their writing programs.