# data[].attributes.body
email: jenny@erinkentconsulting.com

Linked In: Jenny Killion

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Writing is a task as complex and multifaceted as reading-but it's often taught as a single skill. Discover how to plan and deliver comprehensive, explicit, and evidence-based writing instruction with this groundbreaking book, aligned with IDA's Structured Literacy approach and based on the latest research.

Joan Sedita's innovative Writing Rope weaves multiple skills and strategies into five fundamentals of a comprehensive writing curriculum: critical thinking, syntax (sentences), text structure, writing craft, and transcription (spelling and handwriting). Teachers of Grades 4-8 will get crystal-clear guidelines that demystify the process of helping students learn to write and write to learn across academic content areas. And with dozens of included templates, handouts, and other resources-available for download online-teachers will have all the tools they need to design and deliver explicit, high-quality writing instruction.

Perfect for professional development, this invaluable planning guide will help teachers apply the science of reading to the skill of writing-and help students master a critically important aspect of literacy.

TEACHERS WILL:

Learn the fundamentals of effective writing instruction. Get research-based background knowledge about writing development, the five components of the Writing Rope framework, the role of fluent transcription skills in proficient writing, and the intentional choices proficient writers make about writing craft.

Apply evidence-based practices in the classroom. Teach essential skills all students must learn to become proficient writers, focusing on critical thinking strategies for generating ideas and gathering information before writing, strategies for each stage of the writing process, syntactic awareness and sentence writing, paragraph writing, and skillful structuring of different types of text.

Help students "write to learn." Teach students how to use writing to enhance their learning across different content areas. Learn how to plan effective writing assignments in different content areas, and explicitly teach students skills for summarizing texts and writing about narrative and expository text.

PRACTICAL MATERIALS: Apply the Writing Rope framework to support your students' writing skills with classroom activities, Connect to Your Classroom questions, suggestions for scaffolding, a Writing Assignment Guide to use with any grade or content area, and 40+ reproducible instructional resources for students and teachers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Writing is a task as complex and multifaceted as reading-but it's often taught as a single skill. Discover how to plan and deliver comprehensive, explicit, and evidence-based writing instruction with this groundbreaking book, aligned with IDA's Structured Literacy approach and based on the latest research.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades by Judith C. Hochman and Natalie Wexler, published by Jossey-Bass/Wiley Buy this book from: You may need a writing revolution in your classroom. Here's how to lead it. Expectations about student writing have changed dramatically in recent years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Back to Results

Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities

John Warner

An important challenge to what currently masquerades as conventional wisdom regarding the teaching of writing.

There seems to be widespread agreement that-when it comes to the writing skills of college students-we are in the midst of a crisis. In Why They Can't Write, John Warner, who taught writing at the college level for two decades, argues that the problem isn't caused by a lack of rigor, or smartphones, or some generational character defect. Instead, he asserts, we're teaching writing wrong.

Warner blames this on decades of educational reform rooted in standardization, assessments, and...

An important challenge to what currently masquerades as conventional wisdom regarding the teaching of writing.

There seems to be widespread agreement that-when it comes to the writing skills of college students-we are in the midst of a crisis. In Why They Can't Write, John Warner, who taught writing at the college level for two decades, argues that the problem isn't caused by a lack of rigor, or smartphones, or some generational character defect. Instead, he asserts, we're teaching writing wrong.

Warner blames this on decades of educational reform rooted in standardization, assessments, and accountability. We have done no more, Warner argues, than conditioned students to perform "writing-related simulations," which pass temporary muster but do little to help students develop their writing abilities. This style of teaching has made students passive and disengaged. Worse yet, it hasn't prepared them for writing in the college classroom. Rather than making choices and thinking critically, as writers must, undergraduates simply follow the rules-such as the five-paragraph essay-designed to help them pass these high-stakes assessments.

In Why They Can't Write, Warner has crafted both a diagnosis for what ails us and a blueprint for fixing a broken system. Combining current knowledge of what works in teaching and learning with the most enduring philosophies of classical education, this book challenges readers to develop the skills, attitudes, knowledge, and habits of mind of strong writers.

Reviews

That title sounds as if it will be a grumpy polemic, but it's actually an inspiring exploration of what learning to write could be, framed by an analysis of why it so often is soul-destroying for both students and their teachers.

Articulates a set of humanist values that could generate rich new classroom practices and, one hopes, encourage teachers, parents, and policymakers to rethink the whole idea of School and why it matters to a society. Warner is pragmatic, not programmatic, and hopeful without being naïve... I hope teachers, parents, and administrators across the United States read his trenchant book. We are the reformers we have been waiting for.

Why They Can't Write dissects the underlying causes of why so much writing instruction fails in the American system and it provides tested, practical solutions for doing better. The book is more than a how-to-teach guide, however. It diagnoses several important structural problems in American education, including standardized testing, the allure of educational fads, the abuses of technology-driven solutions, and cruel working conditions for teachers.

I wanted direction on how to better teach writing, and I got it-sample assignments that I can tweak to fit my classroom and discipline in marvelous ways. But I got so much more. I closed the book feeling energized and motivated to go back to the classroom and make changes. In fact my first reaction, as I finished, was 'I have to go write about this!' Which so perfectly encapsulates so much of what John would like to see us do as learners that I couldn't help but laugh.

What is to blame for students' bad writing? According to Warner, the entire context in which it is taught. He rails against school systems that privilege shallow "achievement" over curiosity and learning, a culture of "surveillance and compliance" (including apps that track students' behaviour and report it to parents in real time), an obsession with standardized testing that is fundamentally inimical to thoughtful reading and writing, and a love of faddish psychological theories and worthless digital learning projects.

Read More

See All Reviews

Book Details

Part I: Introduction
Our Writing "Crisis"
Johnny Could Never Write
The Writer's Practice
The Five-Paragraph Essay
Part II: The Other Necessities
The Problem of Atmosphere
The Problem of Surveillance
The

Part I: Introduction
Our Writing "Crisis"
Johnny Could Never Write
The Writer's Practice
The Five-Paragraph Essay
Part II: The Other Necessities
The Problem of Atmosphere
The Problem of Surveillance
The Problem of Assessment and Standardization
The Problem of Educational Fads
The Problem of Technology Hype
The Problem of Folklore
The Problem of Precarity
Part III: A New Framework
Why School?
Increasing Rigor
The Writer's Practice
Making Writing Meaningful by Making Meaningful Writing
Writing Experiences
Increasing Challenges
Part IV: Unanswered Questions
What about Academics?
What about Grammar?
What about Grades?
What about the Children?
What about the Teachers?
In Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Appendix
Notes
Index
About the Author

John Warner is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune, a contributing blogger for Inside Higher Ed, and an editor at large for McSweeney's Internet Tendency. He is the author or coeditor of seven books, including The Writer's Practice: Building Confidence in Your Nonfiction Writing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Back to Results Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities John Warner An important challenge to what currently masquerades as conventional wisdom regarding the teaching of writing. There seems to be widespread agreement that-when it comes to the writing skills of college students-we are in the midst of a crisis.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sentence Expansion with Who, What, When, Why

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Traditional grammar instruction often focuses too much on what's right or what's wrong, hiding the true power of conventions-the creation of meaning, purpose, and effect. Instead of hammering high school students with the mistakes they should avoid, Jeff Anderson, Travis Leech, and Holly Durham suggest exploring grammar through the celebration of author's purpose and craft. In Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12: Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing, they invite you to create an environment in which writers thrive while studying and appreciating the beauty, effects, and meaning of grammar. Inside this book, teachers will find a comprehensive explanation of the brain-based Patterns of Power invitational process, as well as:

35 standards-aligned lesson sets built around practical, engaging, inquiry-based methods that take deeper dives into grammar and craft than any worksheet, quiz, or editing exercise ever could A variety of high-interest model texts from authentic and diverse sources, including excerpts from classic and current novels, memoirs, plays, graphic novels, poems, and media Real-life classroom examples and tips with suggestions for scaffolding new learning and ideas for how to use the lessons in AP courses Templates for extended application, easy to locate printables, and ready-to-go visuals Additional Models for Further Study for extension opportunities in every lesson set An entire chapter devoted to helping high school writers master citations in research
With hundreds of teach-tomorrow resources and implementation supports such as quick-reference guides, specific applications to reading instruction, and soundtrack suggestions to infuse the joy of music into grammar instruction, Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12 gives you everything you need to inspire your high school writers to move beyond limitation and into the endless possibilities of what they can do as writers. The Patterns of Power series also includes Patterns of Power, Grades 6-8: Inviting Adolescent Writers into the Conventions of Language; Patterns of Power, Grades 1-5: Inviting Young Writers into the Conventions of Language; Patterns of Wonder, Grades PreK-1: Inviting Emergent Writers to Play with the Conventions of Language; and Patterns of Power en Español, Grades 1-5: Inviting Bilingual Writers into the Conventions of Spanish.

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Looking Closely at the World Through Grammar

How to Use This Book
Part 1: Getting Started with the Patterns of Power Process
1. Into PLANNING: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Engaging Grammar Lessons

2. Into the CLASSROOM: How to Teach Grammar with the Patterns of Power Process

3. Into APPLICATION: Guiding Writers to USE the Patterns of Power
Part 2: Into the Lessons with the Patterns of Power Process
4. The Purpose and Craft of PUNCTUATION

5. The Purpose and Craft of CLAUSES

6. The Purpose and Craft of PHRASES

7. The Purpose and Craft of PARALLEL STRUCTURE

8. The Purpose of CITATIONS

9. The Purpose and Craft of CREATIVE PATTERNS

Conclusion: Investigating Meaning and Effect

Appendix A: The Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12 Soundtrack

Appendix B: Patterns of Power Instruction in Remote Learning Environments

Bibliography of Professional Resources

Bibliography of Literature

Credits

Index

Biography

For over thirty-three years, Jeff Anderson has inspired writers and teachers of grades K-8 with the power and joy of writing and grammar. He has written ten books for Stenhouse Publishers. He lives near downtown San Antonio with Terry and their rescue pup.

Travis Leech is a middle school instructional coach in Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, TX. He has fourteen years of experience in education, including teaching middle school English Language Arts and as a gifted and talented specialist.

Holly Durham is currently a Professional Learning Coordinator in Houston, TX. She has twenty-eight years of experience in education, including teaching middle and high school English, instructional coaching, and director-level roles in the Humanities and District Strategic Planning. She has presented literacy practices and technology integration at district, regional, state, and national levels.

I can't wait to put Patterns of Power, 9-12 in the hands of every high school English teacher in my district! This practical approach to teaching writing through the beauty and power of mentor texts supports our instructional philosophy by inspiring teachers to finally retire ineffective, prescriptive grammar instruction. Teaching with the Invitations to Notice, Compare and Contrast, Imitate, Celebrate, Apply, and Edit will help students understand the why of grammar and punctuation while motivating them to explore possibilities rather than avoid errors."

- Tracy Winstead, District Coordinator, High School English Curriculum and Instruction

"If high school teachers are looking for a way to teach grammar and conventions that is meaningful and transfers to student writing, they should look no further than Patterns of Power: Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing, Grades 9-12. By starting with a mentor sentence, students are invited to take an inquiry stance as they think through the writer's moves and the impact on the reader. Patterns of Power, 9-12 helps students gain the confidence and agency they need to try new grammar and convention moves in their own writing."

- Erica Bissel, Coordinator of Reading and Language Arts

"Jeff's books have been pivotal to the success of our writing program since Everyday Editing. His invitational approach to noticing author's purpose and craft is non-threatening and engaging to students. We are excited to dive into this new book with Travis Leech and Holly Durham and continue inspiring our students to 'sharpen their ideas.'"

- Dr. Susan Diaz, Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction

"Up early one morning, I thought I'd skim this book while sipping that first cup of coffee. The skimming stopped almost immediately as I began reading slowly to catch every idea, to understand each teaching move, to jot my own notes in my journal. My coffee grew cold and was forgotten. I was watching master teachers Jeff, Travis, and Holly make things such as colons and commas, apostrophes and appositives, phrases and fragments become more than things to be learned; instead, they were turning conventions of language into conversations I wanted to have with kids. Filled with the well-designed lessons that show you how to move kids from noticing to naming to using, this is a book that won't sit on your bookshelf. It will stay beside you as it guides you through lessons that actually help kids think about how they write."

- Kylene Beers, coauthor of Notice and Note: Strategies for Close Reading and Forged by Reading: The Power of a Literate Life

"The Patterns of Power series epitomizes our philosophical approach to grammar: that it should arise from authentic literature and be presented when it would make sense to students based on their writing. Students need not be numbed by grammar instruction that follows a rigid textbook. Rather, a flexible approach of presenting examples which help readers to discover patterns, understand the conventions of language, appreciate great writing, and become enthusiastic writers is the most effective and enjoyable one."

- Michael R. Bowman, Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction

"Jeff Anderson has done it again! We know our secondary students need practice understanding and applying the conventions of English. Patterns of Power, 9-12 provides lessons that engage high school students in learning what is often missing in a world of quick text messages and limited face to face interactions. Students will use a variety of engaging texts to hook them into learning, practicing, and becoming proficient readers and writers of the English language."

- Heather Anderson, Educator, Author, and Consultant

"I found just about every line in Jeff, Travis, and Holly's Patterns of Power both immediately applicable and incredibly useful in my ninth and tenth-grade ELA classes. But hands down, my favorite aspect is how the authors center student inquiry in their approach to teaching grammar. Students are driven toward 'discovery of grammatical concepts and deep consideration of their purpose.' Being encouraged to consider-and even debate-the why of grammar as they are learning the how has changed the game for my students. In truth, this book has shored up a huge gap in my pedagogy, and I am very grateful."

- Matthew Kay, author of Not Light, but Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom

"These authors love language . . . and the voice of the text sings, celebrates, and rings with truth. This book is both wise and a pleasure to read. Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12 will give you new ways to think and plan for regular practice with conventions."

- Penny Kittle, Plymouth State University Writing Teacher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12: Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Traditional grammar instruction often focuses too much on what's right or what's wrong, hiding the true power of conventions-the creation of meaning, purpose, and effect. Instead of hammering high school students with the mistakes they should avoid, Jeff Anderson, Travis Leech, and Holly Durham suggest exploring grammar through the celebration of author's purpose and craft.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Authors Jeff Anderson, Travis Leech, and Melinda Clark lead a vibrant approach to grammar instruction in Patterns of Power, Grades 6-8: Inviting Adolescent Writers into the Conventions of Language. Here, young, emergent writers are invited to notice the conventions of the English language and build off them in this inquiry-based approach to instructional grammar. The book comes with standards-aligned lessons that can be incorporated in just 10 minutes a day. Patterns of Power's responsive, invitational approach puts students in an involved role and has them explore and discuss the purpose and meaning of what they read. Students study short, authentic texts and are asked to share their findings out loud, engaging in rich conversations to make meaning. Inside you'll find:

Ready-to-use lesson plan sets that include excerpts from authentic and diverse mentor texts curated for grades 6-8

Real-life classroom examples, tips, and Power Notes gleaned from the authors' experiences that can be applied to any level of writer

Resources, including a Patterns of Power Planning Guide and musical soundtracks, to use in classroom instruction or as handouts for student literacy notebooks

Patterns of Power, Grades 6-8 provides a simple classroom routine that is structured in length and approach, but provides teachers flexibility in choosing the texts, allowing for numerous, diverse voices in the classroom. The practice helps students build cognitive recognition and provides a formative assessment for teachers on student progress. With these short lessons, students will gain confidence and move beyond limitation to produce effortless writing in your class and beyond. The Patterns of Power series also includes Patterns of Power, Grades 1-5: Inviting Young Writers into the Conventions of Language; Patterns of Power en Español, Grades 1-5: Inviting Bilingual Writers into the Conventions of Spanish; Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12: Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing; and Patterns of Wonder, Grades PreK-1: Inviting Emergent Writers to Play with the Conventions of Language.

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Wired to Be Inspired
Part 1: Getting Started with the Patterns of Power Process
1. Into Planning: What Do You Need to Do Before Teaching the Invitations?

2. Into the Classroom: How Do You Teach Conventions with the Invitation Process?

3. Into Application: How Do You Nudge Writers to Apply Conventions?
Part 2: Into the Lessons with the Patterns of Power Process
4. How Do Writers and Readers Use SENTENCES?

5. Why Do Writers and Readers Need COMPOUND

6. How Do Writers and Readers Use COMPLEX SENTENCES?

7. How Do Writers and Readers Use PHRASES and CLAUSES?

8. What Does the MOOD of a VERB Do for Writers and Readers?

9. How Do Writers and Readers Use VERBALS?

10. What Does PUNCTUATION Do for Writers and Readers?

11. What Do PRONOUNS Do for Writers and Readers?

12. How Do Writers and Readers Continue Using CAPITALIZATION?

13. What Other Amazing Things Can Writers and Readers Do?

Conclusion: Connection over Correction

Appendix A: The Patterns of Power, Grades 6-8 Soundtrack

Appendix B: Patterns of Power Instruction in Remote Learning Environments

Professional Bibliography

Young Adult Literature Bibliography

Index

Biography

For over thirty years, Jeff Anderson has inspired writers and teachers of grades K-8 with the power and joy of the writing and grammar. He has written eight books for Stenhouse Publishers. He also writes middle-grade novels.

Travis Leech, coauthor of Patterns of Power: Inviting Adolescent Writers into the Conventions of Language, is currently a middle school instructional coach in Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, TX. He has thirteen years of experience in education, including teaching middle school English Language Arts and as a gifted and talented specialist. He has presented about engaging literacy practices and technology integration at the district, regional, and state levels.

Melinda Clark, coauthor of Patterns of Power: Inviting Adolescent Writers into the Conventions of Language, is currently the Academic Program Coordinator at John Jay High School in San Antonio, Texas. She has 31 years experience in education, including teaching middle school and high school English Language Arts, instructional coaching, independent consulting, and presenting at the district, regional, and state levels.

"For years, students have been handed sets of "I said so" rules as the standard means of learning language conventions. Patterns of Power moves beyond prescriptive rules to offer a series of steps that, instead, help students to recognize and internalize language conventions in a way that makes them better readers, writers, listeners, and speakers. Notice the patterns in sentences. Compare them with others. Try them yourself. Apply them. Edit them. I love how this book teaches students to really think about language."

- Kelly Gallagher

"Patterns of Power will free you from the tyranny of old school grammar instruction and show you a process to guide adolescents toward joyful exploration and experimentation of crafting, creating, and conveying meaning. Whether you're a grammar "phobe" or an expert sentence diagrammer, you will love this book."

- Cris Tovani

"In a Patterns of Power classroom, the conventions of language become possibilities. Here, rules are replaced by invitations as our "wired to be inspired" middle school learners engage in honest inquiry, asking themselves and each other What can this convention do for me as a writer?"

- Lisa Thibodeaux, Director of Secondary Curriculum, TX

"Jeff Anderson is going to make me return to teaching middle school English Language Arts. This is the kind of book that would have made me feel like I could provide concrete, meaningful writing instruction to my students. I am grateful, however, that as an administrator I have the power to put this tool in the hands of all my teachers and allow the work of these authors to reach thousands of students."

- Chad Everett, Middle School Principal

"Patterns of Power, 6-8 is a must-have for every teacher who longs to get their adolescents hooked on grammar. It gives middle grade teachers a simple, student-centered process that showcases what grammatical patterns do for readers and writers and how they lead to stellar writing."

- Jodi Ramos, Middle School Teacher, Department Chair, and New York Times education contributor

"Jeff Anderson, Travis Leech, and Melinda Clark have crafted a gift for middle school literacy teachers and their students. Patterns of Power, 6-8 provides abundant lesson ideas for engaging student readers and writers in ways that improve comprehension, communication and self-expression, as well as a deeper look at why this approach works. Through students' observations of authentic texts and focused exploration of writers' craft and language use, you can increase their reading and writing confidence and skill. Clear, empowering, and effective!"

- Donalyn Miller, Texas educator and author

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Patterns of Power, Grades 6-8: Inviting Adolescent Writers into the Conventions of Language

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Authors Jeff Anderson, Travis Leech, and Melinda Clark lead a vibrant approach to grammar instruction in Patterns of Power, Grades 6-8: Inviting Adolescent Writers into the Conventions of Language. Here, young, emergent writers are invited to notice the conventions of the English language and build off them in this inquiry-based approach to instructional grammar.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Grammar is the gatekeeper to a culture of power, yet it is also the power behind the startling beauty and robustness of the English language. In The Power of Grammar, Mary Ehrenworth and Vicki Vinton show you how these two notions of power can help your grammar instruction address the practical and aesthetic needs of your student writers.

Ehrenworth and Vinton explore the impact of conventions on writing, and they offer you new and compelling ways to show adolescents how informed and purposeful grammatical choices can transform their writing from competent to original and innovative. Through contextualized lessons embedded within your writing curriculum, you'll guide students to an understanding of conventional written English, then show them how to manipulate conventions to produce artful writing.

Grounded in the latest research and tested in the field, The Power of Grammar also contains resources that support good teaching, including:

a concise, to the point, reproducible primer that highlights and defines the most important and useful grammatical conventions in English

a wealth of mentor texts that allow students to examine conventional and unconventional constructions from the work of published authors and practice composing their own sentences based on the example

detailed samples of four kinds of grammar minilessons, each of which can be used in their entirety or as a template to teach any grammatical point

tips for designing and aligning minilessons to those stages of the writing process where they best reinforce grammatical concepts

examples of student work that show you how successful Ehrenworth and Vinton's method can be.

Ehrenworth and Vinton also share their passionate belief in the potential of adolescents. By including stories of individual students who discovered and fashioned unique voices and styles by apprenticing themselves to mentor writers, The Power of Grammar will renew your faith not only in your students and the English language, but in the power of good teaching to change lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Grammar is the gatekeeper to a culture of power, yet it is also the power behind the startling beauty and robustness of the English language. Mary and

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
english language - composition and exercises - study and teaching (secondary)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
english language - grammar - study and teaching (secondary)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / composition & creative writing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / grammar & punctuation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / study & teaching

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / composition & creative writing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / grammar & punctuation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
language arts & disciplines / study & teaching

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mechanically Inclined: Building Grammar, Usage, and Style into Writer's Workshop

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Some teachers love grammar and some hate it, but nearly all struggle to find ways of making the mechanics of English meaningful to kids. As a middle school teacher, Jeff Anderson also discovered that his students were not grasping the basics, and that it was preventing them from reaching their po...

# data[].attributes.headline
Strategies for Generating Topic Sentences

# data[].attributes.subject
Strategies for Generating Topic Sentences

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Login to Erin Kent Consulting community via email or SSO today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Approaches to Developing Thesis Statements

# data[].attributes.headline
Structure Tips for Intros and Conclusions

# data[].attributes.subject
Structure Tips for Intros and Conclusions