Write This Way from the Start: The First 15 Days of Writer's Workshop(Maupin House)

As teachers, the beginning of each school year presents us with fresh starts and opportunities. How will we build community and create a culture that values thinking, learning, and risk-taking? How can we create a safe environment where all learners feel welcome and valued? As writing teachers, it's of utmost importance that we launch our students into the world of writing in a way that engages them and helps to build their confidence. In this book, Kelly Boswell shares a variety of ways to kick-start the school year and invite students to engage in meaningful, purposeful and joyful writing experiences.

About the Author :
Kelly Boswell has many years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and district literacy specialist. She is passionate about seeing young readers and writers blossom and grow into independent learners. She is the coauthor of Solutions for Reading Comprehension and Crafting Nonfiction and has recently published a series of nonfiction books for children with Capstone. Kelly lives in Montana with her husband and two young sons.

Review :
Everything you might ever need to know about setting up a strong Writer's Workshop is touched upon in this book. From the foundations of WHY a Writer's Workshop, to environmental considerations such as playing music, Boswell has laid it out beautifully. As a "seasoned" teacher of writing, I can see and hear myself teaching the lessons as Boswell has written them. . . .If you are new to the teaching of writing, or a seasoned veteran, Write This Way from the Start is a valuable resource that reminds us all to invest time in the beginning days of Writer's Workshop. This investment will result in more confident, independent, and joyful writers. And a happy teacher.-- "Anna Jaross, 2nd Grade Teacher" In her newest book for educators, Write This Way From the Start, Kelly has made something difficult, i.e. launching Writer's Workshop in your classroom, easier with her honest talk and easy to follow, adaptable lessons. This book is full of relatable anecdotes and information, as well as lessons for teachers in grades K-5! We've been waiting for a book like this!-- "Renee Sacco" Write This Way from the Start is Kelly Boswell's most comprehensive book yet. She expands on her earlier work by narrowing and deepening her conversation with teachers, placing her focus on the mini-lessons that will be most useful to shape the foundation for a workshop approach to writing instruction. Kelly shares lessons for both primary and intermediate grade levels where she explicitly describes the modeling and teacher language, with useful tips to consider along the way. Each lesson provides a step-by-step framework, with flexibility for teachers to use their own creativity. Kelly's voice shines through, reminding educators how important it is to be responsive to the needs of each student and to always teach the writer, not the writing. Teachers in the Bismarck Public School system feel that Write This Way from the Start is an exceptional teacher guide, and I would encourage any new or experienced teacher to buy a copy and put it to use right away. This book will inspire all teachers to enhance their writing instruction, and most importantly, help students flourish as writers.-- "Tina Pletal"