Writing
Explore resources designed to improve writing instruction in elementary school. 
- View a visual diagram of all five practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Teaching Elementary Students to Be Effective Writers.
Creating an Engaged Community of Writers
Writing > Engaged Community > Overview & Tools
This recommended practice focuses on how teachers can foster an engaged community of writers by writing together with students, providing choice, and encouraging collaboration and feedback among...
Resource Type
Overview
More Than One Way to Write
Writing > Writing Process > See How It Works
A reading specialist describes how classes at her school are learning to write for different purposes. In each classroom students learn skills and continue building a foundation as they...
Resource Type
School Example
Persuasive Writing Lessons
Writing > Writing Process > See How It Works
This sample material includes two lesson plans for teachers to help students focus on the elements of strong, persuasive writing pieces. The lessons are broken up by days to incorporate time for...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Building a Solid Foundation for Writing
Writing > Foundational Skills > See How It Works
Teachers describe how they teach handwriting, spelling, and sentence construction skills. The teachers also use technology in their classroom to explore texts with their students and to teach...
Resource Type
School Example
Providing Daily Time For Writing
Writing > Daily Time > Overview & Tools
This recommended practice focuses on the importance of designating daily time for writing instruction to ensure sufficient practice of writing skills. This presentation outlines key considerations...
Resource Type
Overview
Writing Conference Sheet
Writing > Writing Process > See How It Works
As part of the Writer's Workshop model, teachers conference with individual students as they share their writing at different stages of the writing process. This sample material gives some ideas...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Writing Buddies
Writing > Writing Process > See How It Works
An important part of the writing process is sharing. Having students regularly share their writing with one another in a format such as Writing Buddies is one way to encourage daily sharing and...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Learning Together: Integrating Writing Into the Curriculum
Writing > Daily Time > Overview & Tools
Use this tool to plan writing projects as part of social studies, math, or science curricula. This tool can be used in professional learning communities as an activity for collaborative learning...
Resource Type
Tool
Teacher Self-Assessment: Gradual Release of Responsibility
Writing > Writing Process > Overview & Tools
Teachers can use this tool to reflect on the steps they take to gradually release the responsibility for using writing strategies to students. Specific steps are listed to help teachers show...
Resource Type
Tool
Kentucky Department of Education Program Review Guide
Writing > States & Districts
Review this guide to learn more about the procedures that Kentucky uses to review writing programs. To learn more about the state's process, listen to the associated audio interview. Related...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Make Time to Write
Writing > Daily Time > See How It Works
This PowerPoint illustrates the components of the Writer's Workshop and provides guidelines for how to structure workshop time. It includes sample schedules and lesson plans. To learn more about...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Planning to Teach Writing Strategies
Writing > Writing Process > Overview & Tools
This tool is designed to help teachers plan writing strategies that are suited to their students and their grade level. Strategies are provided for each step of the writing process, along with...
Resource Type
Tool
