About the Book
Modeling is one of the most effective of all teaching strategies and yet many teachers overlook this powerful tool in writing instruction. When teachers think aloud and then craft a piece of writing in front of their students, they give student writers a peek into what is possible in their own writing. In this book, Kelly Boswell shows you how to transform student writers by infusing short bursts of purposeful teacher modeling. As students watch an adult writer think, talk, and write, they can develop the skills needed in order to create writing that is both polished and purposeful. Tony Stead, educator, internationally known literacy specialist and author, says, "Finally! Not just another book about how to teach writing, but one that targets the power of modeled writing. What a delight it is to read this professional resource that highlights the importance of this strategy as the cornerstone to successful teaching and learning of the writing process."
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 :
It's a "model" of what good teaching looks like with regard to writing instruction. The perfect combination of poignancy through personal stories, pedagogy rich through the citations, quotes, and connections, and practical - what will make it a transformative book for teachers. Kelly has written what could give writing instruction the nudge (or even a shove) it needs. She's made modeling practical and something that no one could deny trying for that classroom "makeover" that could help students be successful writers.-- "Eliza Anne Sorte-Thomas, Director, Northwest Montana Educational Cooperative"
Kelly Boswell doesn't just "tell" us how to transform writing through modeling - she "SHOWS" us by opening an instructional window to illuminate the thinking process that leads to this transformation. . . .Kelly demonstrates how to make children privy to the writing process through explicit models that build a foundation of learning so we can make students active participants in writing experiences that allow them to apply that foundation.-- "Dr. Mary Howard, author of RTI from All Sides: What Every Teacher Needs to Know"
...fills a gap in teachers' writing instruction that few authors have even recognized: the importance of teacher modeling as a critical component in helping students to become independent writers. . . .Kelly delivers her wisdom in such an easy, conversational manner that it's like you're sharing a cup of tea alongside someone who just happens to know a whole lot about the teaching of writing, especially the fine art of modeling for aspiring writers. Read and learn and enjoy!-- "Nancy Boyles, author"
...reveals how the educational of modeling can be a valuable tool in teaching students how to write. When the teacher thinks aloud and crafts a piece of writing in front of his or her students, it reveals possibilities and creative strategies that students can apply to their own works. Author Kelly Boswell has extensive experience as a classroom teacher and literary coach; she shares her insights into making one's thought processes transparent, the skills that all aspiring writers need, the strong combination of mentors and modeling, and much more. A wealth of sample lessons round out this superb resource especially recommended for creative writing and other literary instructors.-- "Midwest Book Review, the Education Shelf"
As students watch an adult writer think, talk, and write, they develop the skills to create polished, purposeful writing. This book shows you how to put modeling to work in your grades K-5 classroom.-- "Learning Magazine, Tools of the Trade"
Boswell's goal in this book is to advocate for cognitive and physical modeling as a potent strategy for teaching writing in the elementary grades. She likens the teaching of writing to the teaching of other skills. . . .The book has a number of examples of practice. Particularly helpful are the portions that offer explicit language for modeling. Though no teacher will likely use these verbatim, it is very helpful to see the details of this instruction drawn out so clearly. . . .This book is a useful tool for new and experienced elementary teachers.-- "Illinois Reading Council Journal"
I have had the pleasure of working with Kelly for the past few years as my district began a renewed focused on nonfiction writing across the curriculum. My teachers are always asking about Kelly's next visit. They are excited, energized, and confident after each of Kelly's modeled lessons. As I read through Write This Way How Modeling Transforms the Writing Classroom, I felt like Kelly was back in one of my classrooms and I was watching a master at work. This book is Kelly's voice as she models for my students and teachers. Kelly does not just write about modeling writing for children, she lives and breathes it in each of the lessons she teaches.-- "Renee Sacco, Literacy Coach, Burlington, Massachusetts"
I purchased this book Friday night and read half of it by Saturday morning! I can't wait to share it with teachers!-- "Jenny E. McGurk, Reading Instructional Coach, O.P. Earle Elementary School"
Kelly explains in such a sincere way how to help students become readers, writers and thinkers. Elements of best practice, weaved with real classroom and life experiences are evident in every chapter. Teachers and instructional leaders in my district have been inspired by her genuine enthusiasm. In "Write This Way" Kelly's passionate voice shines through. This is an important book which educators will return to again and again.-- "Tina Pletan, Elementary Literacy Staff Developer, Bismarck Public Schools"
Kelly passionately and humorously addresses common questions and concerns of teachers like me as we begin to model our thinking in front of students. She masterfully unfolds the art of modeled writing, while at the same time providing sound evidence of the effectiveness of this practice through delightful real-life experiences. This book reads like a novel and left me encouraged and ready to implement modeling of writing on a daily basis.-- "Tamara Ward, Grades 5-6 Teacher, Creston Elementary School, Kalispell, Montana"
Kelly's honest, humorous and compassionate approach to instruction reminds us all of the joy and reason we embarked upon this incredible teaching journey. She is such an inspiration!-- "Sarah Dunkin, Title I Coordinator/Elementary Literacy Support, Beaverton, Oregon"
Outstanding! Kelly's lifted an essential component of writing instruction that is often overlooked-modeled writing. She clearly demonstrated the what, why, and how of modeled writing. The authentic examples and encouragement Kelly provides offer teachers the tools they need, while lifting confidence, in order to intentionally devote more attention to modeled writing.-- "Kelly Davis, Author, Consultant, Instructional Team Leader"
Reading this book is like sitting down and having a conversation with Boswell because she anticipates and answers the questions that teachers will have about modeling. As a former classroom teacher, she recognizes and appreciates that modeling is a challenging part of teaching writing and can seem intimidating. Her credibility is further enhanced by the description of her own evolution as a writing teacher. She is comfortable discussing the teaching issues that she has struggled with over the years, and her candid attitude is appealing. The chapter in which Boswell recounts what it was like to be a beginning teacher who did not know how to teach writing is a story that many teachers will appreciate. Boswell has written a book that is a valuable resource for all teachers, whether they are new to the profession or established educators. Write This Way: How Modeling Transforms The Writing Classroom is a reference to keep close when planning writing instruction.-- "Middle Web"
This is a must-read for every teacher. It is insightful, beautifully written, and extremely poignant at a time when the Common Core Standards urge us to give students the tools for writing for a variety of purposes in a multitude of forms. Kelly provides us with the scaffolds to achieve these goals. In Chapter 3, Kelly shares "a little secret" and I'm going to let you in on a secret as well. This book is a rare gem and one that I will constantly revisit to elevate the impact of my own modeling. Kelly, your message is clear: By becoming a constant and reflective writer in front of my students, I am able to not only raise the quality of their writing, but also their joy in picking up the pen and being writers for life. Kelly, you're a master!-- "Tony Stead, Educator, Internationally Known Literacy Specialist, and Author"
We know the value of teaching by example and of incorporating strong mentor texts, but how do we avoid "writing like a student" or presenting a model without showing what it took to get there? These are just a few of the questions Kelly deftly answers in this book, a guide for any teacher who wants to understand the modeling process and incorporate it into his or her class. Your teaching and your writing will be transformed after reading this book!-- "Lynnette Brent Maddox, co-author"
What a clear and authentic voice she has. She has used all the writing authorities from the past to support her position and paints a very convincing case for modeling writing.-- "Elaine Weber, author of Reading to the Core and Guided Highlighted Reading"
