Reading Into Writing : Using Children's Literature to Teach Writing to Children

I'm just beginning my career as an elementary school teacher. I've taught creative writing to both 6th and 3rd graders. My only gripe with Katie Johnson's book is not having found it sooner! Reading this book is like having a conversation with an experienced and trusted colleague. It's mentoring in a book. Ms. Johnson takes you by the hand and shows you step by step how to take the literature you are already using in your classrooms to teach creative writing. This book overflows with marvelous ideas you can begin using today. Whether you're trying to teach an eleven year-old how to write a good lead or help an 8 year-old move beyond such descriptors as "good" and "nice", this book will point the way. What I find most remarkable about this book is its comprehensive treatment of writing in the elementary grades. Most books seem to be geared toward one grade level or another, but not this one. This book contains engaging lesson ideas for every grade level, K-6. Reading this book is like sitting in the back of a classroom and watching a master teacher at work. It's a gift. Don't miss it.

I am a classroom teacher of 5th and 6th grade students and I constantly struggle with how to help my students revise their writing and add rich detail to their writing. This book provides some excellent ways you can help students to improve their writing. There are many hands-on activities that allow the students to use drawing, acting, speaking, and other forms of expression. The activities can be used at all different grade levels. The idea is to use books the students are currently reading to help them learn how to write and revise well. If you have struggled with coming up with writing lessons that interest the students and get the point across, this is the book for you! The author provides examples of many different books you can use to teach the lessons, and she often includes specific excerpts right there in the book. This book is very user friendly. You will find it easy to read and you will feel ready to try some exercises in your classroom right away!