Exact and precise. The best short book on how to teach writing I've seen. I'm a literacy teacher and I ordered a copy for all 50 of my classroom and special teachers.

If you want one of those vague teaching books that assumes that students already possess a wealth of information, then do not purchase this one. This book is one of those rare teacher's resources that actually work. In other words, your students will improve with these techniques. So, how does this book work?

An essay, or article is scrutinized, with all significant features delineated. These features are labelled and explained in clear terms. Students are then asked to write a similar piece, which exhibit the same features. This is a boon for the weak student who strugges to construct a simple paragraph. If the article under consideration quotes an authority, then that is what the student must do. If alliteration was used the student must try to imitate and so on. Therefore, the student that has always complained that they do not know what to write finds a structure that they can reproduce. With passing months these features the poor student can utilize into constructing credible essays. The competent student leaps ahead with the knowledge that various structures can be memorised and applied when the inspiration is missing.

A terrific book when you want results.

I first saw this book at a regional reading conference and was drawn to it by the promise of what writing teachers search for - effective models. I was not disappointed. This text contains a welath of examples- letters, essays, and advertisements that range from purely informative to narrative and persuasive. The examples are appropriate to be used from middle school up.

Each example is supported by teaching notes. These comments are thorough and link easily to the discussion of each example's literary merits. I found them helpful and thorough.

In addition, the book begins with a 'writing primer' which contains useful tips and guidelines.

As I read the book I was constantly thinking of lessons in which I could use the multitude of examples, tips, and ideas. I am very happy with my purchase and will recommend the title to colleagues.

It is rare that a book is written for teachers of kindergarten through 3rd grade students. Ms. Freeman gives teachers practical ways to go beyond science and social studies using Newbridge Big Books as catalysts for writing interesting non-fiction pieces. Her strategies are clear and examples are given throughout the book. This is a must have for thematic teaching - extending core subjects such as science and social studies into the language arts arena.

Marcia Freeman has done a top-notch job presenting information in Non-fiction Writing Strategies. This book will assist all teachers with helping students to develop their ability to effectively communicate information in writing. Teachers and students will find the suggestions practical and easy to implement. The author has done an outstanding job helping teachers see how to integrate writing instruction across disciplines and throughout the instructional day. This book is a must-have for anyone wishing to help their students improve their writing.

Integrating science with expository writing, Marcia Freeman's Non-Fiction Writing Strategies is ideal for school-wide curriculums. This innovative resource guide provides an integrated approach for teaching science and informational writing; strategies for teaching writing-craft fundamentals; a step-by-step explanations of the basic process of teaching writing-craft skills; oral and written models, student examples, practice activities, and assessment procedures; a variety of expository techniques with related precursor activities appropriate for children; and advice on preparing young writers for success on performance-based school examinations and state competency tests. Highly recommended for use by elementary teachers and homeschooling parents.

I am currently attending the University of Texas at Brownsville. My professor Dr. Dawn Rodriguez, had us do a book review. Since I am interested in teaching the 1st grade, I chose to do it on this boook. This is an excellent source for teachers to use. Teachers will really find the information and suggestions on this book to be very helpful.I find this book as an excellent guide that will help teachers help the young writers become excellent writers as they grow.

As an educational writing consultant I recommend this book to all my K - 1 teachers. It's fabulous. Marcia Freeman is an educator who REALLY knows how to get emergent writers started.

Two years ago I attended the International Reading Association Conference in Orlando, Florida. While browsing the exhibits, I expressed my dismay at the lack of "how-to" books for teaching kindergarteners how to write--REALLY write. It turns out that I was talking to Marcia Freeman, and she recommended her book to me! It was not yet available, but I bought it as soon as it was published. It is THE BEST resource I've found on how to create an environment so that kindergartners will write. The book is very easy to read, and the author guides you the process of creating a classroom of young writers. She offers manageable and practical suggestions (you can tell she knows what she's talking because she has experienced it!). She takes the steps of the writing process (prewriting, writing, editing, etc.) and shows what they "look like" in a primary classroom. She also stresses how IMPORTANT it is to MODEL all aspects of the process. I've shared the ideas in this book with my colleagues, and they love them. If you teach kindergarten, first, or second grade, you need this book!

The powerful language and evocative illustrations draw the reader into this warm story about a Norwegian immigrant family in the Dakota Territory in the 1800s. Sonja's Mama sings away their troubles, but eventually the loneliness of the long winters on the prairie still her voice. Sonja longs for her Mama's singing and spirit to return, and the solution she discovers will delight readers young and old.

The Gift is author Marcia Freeman's poignant story of Sonja, a young Norwegian immigrant, and her family who carved out a new life for themselves in the Dakota frontier territory of the late 1800s. Beautifully enhanced with the artwork of Patrice Kennedy, the core of the story is how Sonja helps her mother to overcome the intense loneliness of prairie life. Strongly recommended for school and community library picturebook collections for children ages 5 to 9, The Gift is a wonderful story, deftly told and superbly illustrated.

Tadao Ando has created the best new museum in America, across the street from Louis Kahn's classic Kimbell, and chief curator Michael Auping has done a brilliant installation of the museum's stellar collection. To whet your appetite for a visit to Fort Worth, read this penetrating analysis of the creative process--a four-year series of exchanges between curator and architect. It's a must-have for everyone who cares about the art of building--for its insights and its exemplary design. (Michael Webb is the book reviewer for LA Architect magazine.)

This book is a great resource for all elementary teachers. It is easy to understand and practical for everyday ideas. This book is full of wonderful activities that can come in handy when planning a lesson plan.

Marcia's book is the best! It is completely practical and has step-by-step information about how to teach every genre of writing in totally KID-FRIENDLY terms! If your students aren't getting better by just going through the writing process, then this is the book for you! Her approach is unlike anything else on the market. It can make teaching writing, if not a breeze, then at least something over which you can gain control. I can't say enough about how useful this book is. If you can only buy one book to help you teach writing, then this is it!

Marcia Freeman recntly addressed the teachers in our county on this book. Everyone present was moved with her easy and practical advice for teaching writing. It was a truly innovative and exciting workshop. This book is full of useful and easy-to-implement teaching methods that actually make teaching writing easier with the results we want: better writing from our students.