Learning to write with purpose [electronic resource] : effective instruction in grades 4-8 / Karen Kuelthau Allan ... [et al.]

Communicating ideas and information is what makes writing meaningfulyet many upper elementary and middle school students write in a vacuum, without considering the aims of their writing or the needs of their readers. This highly informative, teacher-friendly book presents a fresh perspective on writing instruction along with practical methods for the classroom. Teachers learn ways to promote the skills and strategies needed to write and revise effectively in a range of genres: personal narratives, fiction, and poetry; persuasive, explanatory, and "e;how-to"e; writing; and writing for high-stakes tests. Special features include vivid classroom vignettes, examples of student work, evaluation guidelines, and suggested "e;mentor texts"e; that model different genres.