Author’s CraftAn overview of why and how

“It has been our sense that many teachers tend to interact with their students at the ends of the process—conceiving and correcting. Teachers show students how to use a variety of prewriting techniques (webs, story maps, time lines, and outlines). Then they give students detailed editing checklists to use…..The item in the middle—craft—gets the least attention. Students are left on their own to make a thousand decisions in their texts…” – Ralph Fletcher

What we may be doing…

What we can be doing….

• Select a wide range of literature• Read Aloud Frequently• Reread regularly• Make time for students to talk their want into an

understanding of the text• Use specific language to talk about craft• Teach your students to read as writers• Linger longer in selective texts• Use picture books for all-level learners• Model our own writing and think- aloud• Use anchor charts to make learning visible• Allow plenty of time for students to write