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Catch a Falling Writer

By: Connie R. Hebert

Catch young writers before they fall through the cracks!

The ideal companion to Hebert's Catch a Falling Reader, this research-based resource helps teachers "catch" falling writers in Grades K–3 who have challenges with language, vocabulary, fine-motor competency, grammar, diction, correct pencil grip, or letter/sound recognition. Perfect for teachers and literacy specialists, this book presents:

Innovative, research-based strategies for engaging students in writing, setting a purpose for writing, and teaching the mechanics of writing
Strategies that can be used as curriculum supplements to foster independent writing
Resources and Web sites for further information

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Product Details

Grade Level: K-3
ISBN: 9781412968669
Published By: Corwin
Year: 2009
Page Count: 120
Publication date: December 01, 2009

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Description

"Teachers encounter struggling writers every day. Here's a great guide with practical advice and lots of wisdom—covering everything from pencil grip to the power of praise—that will lift up struggling writers and their teachers."
—Richard Gentry, Researcher, Author, Educational Consultant

Catch young writers before they fall through the cracks!

The ideal companion to Connie Hebert's Catch a Falling Reader, this easy-to-use resource helps K–3 teachers "catch" falling writers before feelings of frustration, defeat, and low confidence develop, making it difficult for children to catch up.

Catch a Falling Writer presents concise approaches for engaging and working with young writers who have challenges with language, vocabulary, fine-motor competency, grammar, diction, correct pencil grip, or letter/sound recognition. Perfect for teachers, literacy specialists and coaches, special education teachers, and student teachers striving to close the gap between reading instruction and writing proficiency, this resource presents:

Innovative, research-based strategies for engaging students in writing, setting a purpose for writing, and teaching the mechanics of writing
Strategies that can be used as curriculum supplements to foster independent writing
Resources and Web sites for further information

Prepare students to meet the growing demands of upper grade levels by boosting their writing capabilities!

Key features

Offers innovative, research-based, and motivational strategies for teachers of children who are struggling with writing
Strategies are intended to be easy to use and can be implemented right away
Organized in three sections: Engaging in Writing, Setting a Purpose for Writing, and The Mechanics of Writing
The perfect companion to the author's Catch a Falling Reader

Author(s)

Connie R. Hebert

Learn more about Connie Hebert's PD offerings

Dr. Connie R. Hebert is a nationally acclaimed teacher of teachers, published author, & motivational literacy speaker. She is dedicated to motivating, teaching, and inspiring educators about literacy, around the world. Experience in the field includes Reading Program Professor, Director of Reading, elementary school teacher in 7 school districts, Reading Recovery™ specialist, elementary music teacher, and national consultant. She is the author of Catch a Falling Reader, Catch a Falling Teacher, and her latest book, Catch a Falling Writer (Corwin Press). She is a senior national consultant for SDE (Staff Development for Educators) and served 3 years as a literacy consultant for Macmillan/McGraw-Hill's Treasures program. Dr. Hebert is currently a reading program professor for NSU. She has presented keynote addresses and seminars for teachers in 47 states and at numerous IRA national, state, and European reading conferences.

For more information about Dr. Hebert's work, please visit: www.conniehebert.com.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Introduction

Part I. Engaging in Writing

Catch a Falling Writer by...Generating Meaningful Discussions

Catch a Falling Writer by...Scaffolding Ideas for Writing

Catch a Falling Writer by...Using Wordless Picture Books

Catch a Falling Writer by...Activating Prior Knowledge

Catch a Falling Writer by...Modeling HOW to Write

Catch a Falling Writer by...Creating a Vocabulary "Shopping Cart"

Catch a Falling Writer by...Motivating With Puppets

Catch a Falling Writer by...Encouraging Dramatic Expression

Catch a Falling Writer by...Teaching the Purpose of a Web

Catch a Falling Writer by...Introducing a Story Frame

Catch a Falling Writer by...Maintaining a Motivating Writing Center

Part II. The Mechanics of Writing

Catch a Falling Writer by...Correcting the Pencil Grip

Catch a Falling Writer by...Using a Variety of Tools

Catch a Falling Writer by...Starting With Unlined Paper and Paper Plates

Catch a Falling Writer by...Teaching Proper Penmanship Positions

Catch a Falling Writer by...Attending to Directionality and Spacing

Catch a Falling Writer by...Correcting Errors

Catch a Falling Writer by...Articulating Words Aloud

Catch a Falling Writer by...Tapping, Stomping, and Jumping Words

Catch a Falling Writer by...Practicing Letter Formations and Sight Words

Catch a Falling Writer by...Rebuilding Cut-Up Sentences

Part III. Creating Independence

Catch a Falling Writer by...Using Verbal Prompts for Self-Editing

Catch a Falling Writer by...Offering a Pinch of Praise

Catch a Falling Writer by...Recording Oral Responses on Sticky Notes

Catch a Falling Writer by...Offering a Variety of Focus Sheets

Catch a Falling Writer by...Dealing With Procrastination

Catch a Falling Writer by...Using a Variety of "Good" Questions

Catch a Falling Writer by...Adding Art, Music, & Drama

Catch a Falling Writer by...Connecting Writing With Reading

Catch a Falling Writer by...Guiding Writers in Small-Group Instruction

Appendix: Focus Sheets

Recommended Web Sites, Research, and Texts

Reviews

"Teachers encounter struggling writers every day. Here’s a great guide with practical advice and lots of wisdom—covering everything from pencil grip to the power of praise—that will lift up struggling writers and their teachers."

Richard Gentry, Researcher, Author, Educational Consultant

“The book pinpoints characteristic behaviors of falling writers and pairs them up with simple-to-use techniques that you can incorporate into your classroom or that parents can use at home with their children to bolster confidence and success.”

Karla Bronzynski, First-Grade Teacher, Eldora-New Providence Schools, IA
President, Iowa Reading Association

“This text is a wonderful reference for teaching writing, with many useful activities.”

Pamela Maslin Sullivan, Assistant Professor
James Madison University

Other Titles in: At-Risk | Teaching Methods & Learning Styles | Literacy, K-12

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