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.
Writing Buddies Using the Writing Process
Writing > Writing Process > See How It Works
Watch teachers show how they use "Writing Buddies" as a way for their students to help each other brainstorm and revise. Writing Buddies learn how to ask one another questions to think about ways...
Resource Type
School Example
Not Grammar for Grammar’s Sake
Writing > Foundational Skills > Learn What Works
Listen to a member of the IES Panel discuss the importance of teaching spelling and of supporting students in learning to construct sentences that convey their intended meaning. Teaching these...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Teacher Self-Reflection: Building a Community of Writers
Writing > Engaged Community > Overview & Tools
Teachers can use this tool to reflect on strategies they use to build an engaged community of writers. To learn more about these strategies, watch Giving Students a Choice, There Is a Larger...
Resource Type
Tool
Writing Planning Template #3
Writing > Overview & Tools
This state-level planning tool can be used to assess and plan for state practices to support districts and schools in developing a comprehensive and coherent plan for teaching elementary school...
Resource Type
Planning Template
There Is a Larger Audience
Writing > Engaged Community > See How It Works
Teachers illustrate what they do to create a community of writers in which their students feel comfortable and safe. Activities such as "Author's Chair" and "Publishing Parties" are important for...
Resource Type
School Example
Learning to Construct Effective Sentences
Writing > Foundational Skills > See How It Works
A teacher talks about using mentor texts to help students learn how to construct effective sentences. She asks the students what they notice in the sentence. Students discuss the features of the...
Resource Type
School Example
Strategies for Using the Writing Process
Writing > Writing Process > Learn What Works
Listen to a member of the IES Panel discuss how teachers can helps students use strategies to plan and evaluate their writing. He illustrates the importance of peer interaction in revision and...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Giving Students a Choice
Writing > Engaged Community > See How It Works
A teacher discusses the importance of giving students a choice over what to write about, what to write with, and where to sit when they are writing. When given these choices, students are able to...
Resource Type
School Example
Understanding the Purpose of What You’re Writing
Writing > Writing Process > Learn What Works
Students are more likely to be engaged in writing if they understand the purpose of a particular writing assignment. Listen to a member of the IES Panel discuss how teachers can look for...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Creating a Place Where Students Feel Like Writers
Writing > Engaged Community > Learn What Works
One member of the IES Panel explains why developing a collaborative community of writers is necessary to have engaged writers. She discusses the various ways a teacher can create a safe and...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
State Support of Writing Instruction
Writing > States & Districts
This interview describes the challenges that states face as they promote student writing achievement. These challenges include the need for instructional reform to align with the Common Core State...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Kentucky’s Schoolwide Writing Program Review
Writing > States & Districts
Kentucky's Senate Bill 1 sparked a new program review process that includes a comprehensive review of writing instruction, professional development practices, and administrative support. This...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
