Developing children's writing abilities boosts their confidence, creates enjoyment and relevance in the task and cultivates a range of decision-making and problem-solving skills that can then be applied across the curriculum. The Countdown series provides all the support you need in helping children to improve their prose, poetry and non-fiction writing. Countdown to Non-Fiction Writing is a comprehensive and flexible resource which you can use in different ways. It includes: 37 stand-alone modules which cover all aspects of writing and understanding non-fiction texts, including the nature of language, logical thinking, recognising 'facts' and planning; A countdown flowchart provides an overview, showing how modules are linked and allowing teachers and pupils to track their progress; Photocopiable activity sheets for each module that show how to make decisions and solve problems which writers face on the journey to a finished piece of work; Teachers' notes for each module with tips and guidance, including how modules can be used in the classroom, links to other modules and curriculum links, and advice on helping and guiding pupils in their writing; A self-study component so pupils can make their own progress through the material. This option gives young writers a sense of independence in thinking about their work and through offering a scaffolding of tasks, encourages confident and effective writing; 'Headers' for each module showing where along the 'countdown path' you are at that point; Contents page for quick access to particular modules and relevant aspects of writing. In short, Countdown to Non-Fiction Writing saves valuable planning time and gives you all the flexibility you need in helping pupils to prepare for, understand, and write non-fiction. The structure of the book allows teachers to utilise the modules for 'self-study', as a longer programme following the 'countdown' structure, or to dip into the book for individual lesson activities and ideas to fit in with wider programmes of study.

Originally published in 1982. This book charts the reading progress of ten children through their first three years at school, concentrating particularly on their problems and the ways they coped with them. The author uses these case studies to analyse the children's understanding, experience of behaviour associated with literacy, and developing knowledge of spelling in the early stages of learning to read. Her analysis of the children's difficulties and successes, against the background of their home experience, classroom activities and teachers' methods, calls in question any simplistic generalisations about the ways that background and teaching method can affect reading progress.

Originally published in 1986. The traditional approach to teaching writing concentrates on mastering the different aspects of writing in the hope that these will eventually unite as a set of integrated skills. More 'progressive' teachers emphasise that writing is a total process which is 'caught' intuitively rather than explicitly taught. Both models are partially unsatisfactory, and consequently a third approach has evolved which seeks to combine the best of both. This book considers this 'systematic' approach, which seeks to retain the emphasis on writing as a total process but identifies within each communicative context the set of sub-skills involved. The author discusses and illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of this approach and the changes in professional thinking and practice that are essential to its successful adoption. He presents an overview of the nature of the writing process, to enable teachers to make clearer and more explicit statements about their objectives in setting classroom writing tasks.

Originally published in 1976. How do children learn to write? What stages to they pass through in mastering this skill? What part can teachers play in aiding their development? These are some of the questions that this book sets out to answer. This book offers a perspective on writing which places children's language resources and their development at its centre. It discusses the purpose of writing, ways of classifying its variety, providing contexts for writing, its treatment in schools and methods for helping children to overcome difficulties. A section explores the arguments for a writing policy or programme in schools, and offering guidance on considerations that shape policy making.

The next 10 Tippie adventures are proudly South-African, interesting and builds on the skills acquired in the Level 1 books. The text is supported by colourful, engaging illustrations to support comprehension and practise short vowel sounds and simple consonant clusters. Tippie learns and explores alongside his friends whilst staying true to typical child development. These sequential reading books were designed with a focus on sound development, linking sounds and letters as well as continuing building success and self-confidence in reading. The Level 2 books still focus on short vowels, simple consonants, sight words and final position consonant clusters. Children will love Tippie’s latest adventures as it is full of fun and humorous incidents along the way.

Grading is one of the thorniest issues writing teachers must deal with, yet, surprisingly little has been written on this topic. As writing teachers move increasingly toward practices that focus on writing as a process, they face a growing need to reconsider their systems of grading to determine whether or not these systems support their pedagogies. The authors interrogate the grading of individual papers as well as portfolios and the assigning of end-of-term grades. This collection explores the issues and problems that have emerged as conventional grading practices have lagged behind and been challenged by new theories of language.

While the book will be of interest to theorists, Zak and Weaver have also made the book relevant and useful to teachers whose primary interest is the practical consequences of theory in their classrooms. Where theoretical discussion takes place, the language is clear and accessible. Many of the authors write directly from personal experience, telling stories of the classroom or writing of new techniques and approaches they have tried. They speak with the voices of teachers, and the tone and content of their words convey a sense of the immediacy of the topic.

Treasure House Comprehension Skills Teacher's Guides provide at-a-glance lesson planning to guide teachers through the activities in Treasure House Comprehension Skills Pupil Books. Treasure House Comprehension Skills Teacher's Guide 5: - provides at-a-glance planning with overviews, step-by-step instructions and answer keys for all Pupil Book units - offers ideas to enable all children to access learning in Support, Embed and Challenge sections - targets individual learning needs with photocopiable resources - maps units to the 2014 National Curriculum for English

Please note this title is suitable for any student studying: Exam Board: WJEC Level: GCSE Subject: English Language First teaching: 2015 First exams: 2017 Matched to the requirements of the WJEC for Wales GCSE English Language specification, this workbook provides an active and structured approach to revision. This full colour write-in workbook helps prepare students for the exams and provides extensive practice opportunities, sample student answers, revision tips and sample exam papers. With a focus on self-evaluation, this workbook, written by an experienced and trusted author team, aims to help students take control of their revision through an active and motivational approach.

Reinforce your kindergartner's new skills with Spectrum Phonics. With the progressive lessons in this workbook, your child will strengthen reading skills involving letter recognition, consonant and short vowel sounds, and ABC order. The Spectrum(R) Phonics series provides your child with skill-building exercises that focus on phonics, structural analysis, and dictionary skills. Phonics for grades K-2 guides students progressively through letter sounds, blends, and pairs and how they combine to form words. Word Study and Phonics for grades 3-6 includes lessons in decoding as well as vocabulary comprehension, spelling, word relationships, figurative language, and even foreign words. Unique exercises will keep children engaged, and complete answer keys will help you gauge their understanding of the way words work. Spectrum, the best-selling workbook series, is proud to provide quality educational materials that support your students' learning achievement and success.

Teachers who want to cut lesson planning time should welcome this series. The new editions are revised in line with the new literacy framework and bring you new models. Writing Models aims to help teachers cover every sort of writing type they need; fine tune lessons by following key teaching points for each model; and deliver the new literacy units to pupils of varying ability using different versions of the same model. Each book in the series gives you: A bank of easy-to-use, photocopiable models for writing covering poetry, narrative and non-fiction Key teaching points for each model Simpler and harder examples for differentiation The newly revised second edition for Year 4 has been fully updated and restructured in line to deliver new units from the new framework and includes new writing models. Lesson planning has never been easier! The second edition of Writing Models Year 4 contains: Stories with historical settings; Stories from other cultures (new) and Stories that raise issues & dilemmas (new) Poems to explore form and Performance poems (new) Stories set in imaginary worlds and Plays (new) Newspaper reports (new); ICT-texts (new) and Persuasive writing including a model based on a DVD (new)

With their hallmark humour, Beers and Probst present a vision of what reading and what education across all the year groups could be. In particular, they share new strategies and ideas for helping classroom teachers create engagement and relevance, encourage responsive and responsible reading, deepen comprehension and develop lifelong reading habits. "An essential book for teachers looking to engage children deeply in the books they read. Beers and Probst show how to engage children in reading at a textual, intellectual and emotional level so they...respond to them personally and collectively and ultimately come to see their reading as a tool for shaping the world around them." Rachel Clarke, Independent Reading Consultant

To a degree unknown in practically any other discipline, the pedagogical space afforded composition is the institutional engine that makes possible all other theoretical and research efforts in the field of rhetoric and writing. But composition has recently come under attack from many within the field as fundamentally misguided. Some of these critics have been labelled "New Abolitionists" for their insistence that compulsory first-year writing should be abandoned. Not limiting itself to first-year writing courses, this book extends and modifies calls for abolition by taking a closer look at current theoretical and empirical understandings of what contributors call "general writing skills instruction" (GWSI): the curriculum which an overwhelming majority of writing instructors is paid to teach, that practically every composition textbook is written to support, and the instruction for which English departments are given resources to deliver.
The vulnerability of GWSI is hardly a secret among writing professionals and its intellectual fragility has been felt for years and manifested in several ways:
* in persistently low status of composition as a study both within and outside of English departments;
* in professional journal articles and conference presentations that are growing both in theoretical sophistication and irrelevance to the composition classroom; and
* in the rhetoric and writing field's ever-increasing attention to nontraditional sites of writing behavior.
But, to date, there has been relatively little concerted discussion within the writing field that focuses specifically on the fundamentally awkward relationship of writing theory and writing instruction.
This volume is the first to explicitly focus on the gap in the theory and practice that has emerged as a result of the field's growing professionalization. The essays anthologized offer critiques of GWSI in light of the discipline's growing understanding of the contexts for writing and their rhetorical nature. Writing from a wide range of cognitivist, critical-theoretical, historical, linguistic and philosophical perspectives, contributors call into serious question basic tenets of contemporary writing instruction and provide a forum for articulating a sort of "zeitgeist" that seems to permeate many writing conferences, but which has, until recently, not found a voice or a name.

To a degree unknown in practically any other discipline, the pedagogical space afforded composition is the institutional engine that makes possible all other theoretical and research efforts in the field of rhetoric and writing. But composition has recently come under attack from many within the field as fundamentally misguided. Some of these critics have been labelled "New Abolitionists" for their insistence that compulsory first-year writing should be abandoned. Not limiting itself to first-year writing courses, this book extends and modifies calls for abolition by taking a closer look at current theoretical and empirical understandings of what contributors call "general writing skills instruction" (GWSI): the curriculum which an overwhelming majority of writing instructors is paid to teach, that practically every composition textbook is written to support, and the instruction for which English departments are given resources to deliver.
The vulnerability of GWSI is hardly a secret among writing professionals and its intellectual fragility has been felt for years and manifested in several ways:
* in persistently low status of composition as a study both within and outside of English departments;
* in professional journal articles and conference presentations that are growing both in theoretical sophistication and irrelevance to the composition classroom; and
* in the rhetoric and writing field's ever-increasing attention to nontraditional sites of writing behavior.
But, to date, there has been relatively little concerted discussion within the writing field that focuses specifically on the fundamentally awkward relationship of writing theory and writing instruction.
This volume is the first to explicitly focus on the gap in the theory and practice that has emerged as a result of the field's growing professionalization. The essays anthologized offer critiques of GWSI in light of the discipline's growing understanding of the contexts for writing and their rhetorical nature. Writing from a wide range of cognitivist, critical-theoretical, historical, linguistic and philosophical perspectives, contributors call into serious question basic tenets of contemporary writing instruction and provide a forum for articulating a sort of "zeitgeist" that seems to permeate many writing conferences, but which has, until recently, not found a voice or a name.

The Level 2 Biff, Chip and Kipper Stories, written by Roderick Hunt and illustrated by Alex Brychta, provide a rich story context to help develop language comprehension and decoding skills. Stories, More Stories A and More Stories B offer a predictable sentence structure to support reading success. First Sentences provide practice of high frequency vocabulary with highly repetitive text to continue to build fluency. Patterned Stories and More Patterned Stories A practise vocabulary in the context of a repeated sentence structure to help develop confidence and fluency. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with childrens reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.

Achieve. Fun and focused SATs revision. Achieve the Higher Score in Reading, with the only fully updated revision series. This book teaches children exactly how to tackle the more demanding SATs questions with confidence to get their best result. For use with more able children, this book covers everything that could be tested and provides additional challenge while ensuring children have some fun while they learn. Our unique approach has been helping children and schools perform above national average for over 15 years. Children are guided step-by-step through all question types and easy-to-digest content is presented in a simple to follow format. Clear explanations and lots of practice make it the perfect revision range for use in school and at home. This revision book: - Focuses revision on the key information children need to reach the higher score - Shows children how to get full marks on extended questions - Teaches children how to answer test questions thoughtfully and appropriately - Offers digestible content and lots of opportunities to practise,making it perfect for use in school or at home For best results use alongside Achieve Reading SATs Question WorkbookThe Higher Score and Achieve Reading SATs Practice Papers

Achieve. Fun and focused SATs revision. Achieve the Higher Score in Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling, with the only fully updated revision series. This book teaches children exactly how to tackle the more demanding SATs questions with confidence to get their best result. For use with more able children, this book covers everything that could be tested and provides additional challenge while ensuring children have some fun while they learn. Our unique approach has been helping children and schools perform above national average for over 15 years. Children are guided step-by-step through all question types and easy-to-digest content is presented in a simple to follow format. Clear explanations and lots of practice make it the perfect revision range for use in school and at home. This revision book: - Focuses revision on the key information children need to reach the higher score - Shows children how to get full marks on extended questions - Teaches children how to answer test questions thoughtfully and appropriately - Offers digestible content and lots of opportunities to practise,making it perfect for use in school or at home For best results use alongside Achieve Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation SATs Question WorkbookThe Higher Score and Achieve Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation SATs Practice Papers

Writing Studio Pedagogy (WSP) breaks from the tradition of teaching and responding to writing in traditional ways and moves the teaching and learning experience off the page and into engaging spaces in multiple ways, which can enhance the composing process. Through this collection, scholars interested in rethinking approaches to teaching, writing pedagogy, and innovative learning will find new ways to challenge their own understandings of space, place, and collaboration. WSP involves an attention to space and place in the development of rhetorical acts by focusing on the ways in which they enhance pedagogy. This book takes a unique opportunity to return to pedagogy as the foremost priority in any learning space. Educators might preference WSP for its emphasis on student-centeredness by creating productive interactions, intersections, and departures that arrive from prioritizing learning. WSP acknowledges the centralized role of students and teachers as co-facilitators in learning and writing. These threads are intentionally broad-based, as the chapters contained in this book speak to the complexity of WSP across institutions.

Children's Books in Children's Hands: A Brief Introduction to Their Literature familiarizes current and future teachers with the best and most recent books for children. The renowned author team presents richly illustrated, practical ideas for sharing literature with children as a source of enjoyment and inspiration that will last them all their lives. This authoritative, captivating, and popular guide establishes a roadmap for understanding the world of children's literature, including its writers, illustrators, editors, and critics, while also providing a strong emphasis on books from many cultural groups. The 6th Edition now includes full color illustrations and art, newer title annotations, new teaching ideas, coverage of shifting changes in genres, and thorough coverage of multicultural and international books.

Strengthen vocabulary skills and raise test scores

Vocabulary Fundamentals, Grade 3 provides scaffolded practice on the essential vocabulary skills your students need for academic success.

The 42 skill units in grade 3 cover:

* synonyms & antonyms

* homophones

* prefixes & suffixes

* word roots

* idioms

Children who have difficulty acquiring basic skills need additional help and encouragement. In "Helping Children with Reading and Spelling, " Rea Reason and Rene Boote have written a highly practical manual which provides detailed frameworks for assessment and teaching which will be widely used by class teachers, particularly those working with children who have specific literacy difficulties. The book does not adopt any one theoretical stance, but provides a comprehensive and workable collection of ideas, including photocopiable pages which can be used as teaching and assessment resources and case studies to illustrate the methods suggested. The emphasis of the book is on reading for meaning and enjoyment, together with the systematic practice of word and letter recognition skills.

This book aims to help students practise their comprehension skills as a way of improving their abilities to understand written information. To achieve this the book contains important, practical advice on how to approach standard comprehension tests and to write effective, purposeful answers. The book also provides tips and advice for writing compositions. These are writing tests that cover aspects of creative writing such as stories, reports and letters. 5 standard comprehension tests are provided, each with a reading passage followed by questions that are answered by the students in the spaces provided. Each of the 5 comprehension tests is accompanied by a composition test that provides a choice of 2 tasks with space given for students to write their answers. A clear, helpful and detailed mark scheme is provided for both the comprehension tests and compositions to enable an accurate assessment to be made of each student's performance. The tests contained in this book have been prepared for children in school years 5, 6 and 7 (ages 9-13). As well as being helpful for general revision and practice, these comprehension tests are written to assist particularly students who are preparing for entrance examinations at 11+ for grammar and independent schools. The ability to read and make meaning from written information is crucial for students of all ages. Because this is tested regularly in schools this book offers not only practice but also helpful advice and support for both students and their parents.

This is a guide to teaching creative writing to primary school children aged 8-11. The 22 classroom-tested exercises encourage students to explore their emotions, their senses, and the world around them. Activities are designed to get children thinking about and describing what they see, hear, smell, taste and the thoughts which pass through their minds, re-enforcing their basic grammar and widening their vocabulary. The aim is to get children writing for enjoyment. The assignments are a springboard from which ideas are formed and then developed. They are structured to encourage spontaneous thought and to allow the writer to follow ideas; freeing the conscious mind from restraint to simply write. Above all, they are for children to have fun, to help them tap into emotions and imagination - which may well surprise both them and you. Get Children Writing brings together clear objectives, teachers' notes, and examples of techniques, styles, and formats drawn from classic children's literature into one classroom-ready sourcebook. Many of the assignments can be adapted to suit children younger or older than 8-11. We all love a story.

There are 12 books at Level 5. Level 5: Book 25 'Alternative Spellings' Book 26 'Alternative Spellings' Book 27 'Alternative Spellings' Book 28 'Alternative Spellings' Book 29 'Alternative Spellings' Book 30 'Alternative Spellings' Level 5 More A: Book 31 'Alternative Spellings' Book 32 'Alternative Spellings' Book 33 'Alternative Spellings' Book 34 'Alternative Spellings' Book 35 'Alternative Spellings' Book 36 'Alternative Spellings' Each sound/alternative spelling is explored through an Oxford Reading Tree scene, first the children should read the decodable word lists, before trying to find the words within the picture. Consolidation activities include spelling activities and reading short texts. There are a total of 42 books in this series from Level 1 to Level 5 (Letters and Sounds Phase 1 to Phase 5)

In this new edition of his best-selling classic, Wiley Blevins outlines the most recent brain research, 7 key characteristics of strong phonics instruction, and powerful instructional routines for accelerating student learning. Also includes special sections on meeting the needs of struggling readers and English language learners, speed drill forms, fluency tips, word sort and word building support, engaging lessons, word lists, games, learning center ideas, technology resources, and more.

Practice reading comprehension with this activity sticker book, perfect for learning at home! Let's Do Comprehension 6-7 supports the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and is ideal for boosting English literacy skills at home. The workbook contains a variety of stimulating fiction and non-fiction texts, accompanied by comprehension questions of varying difficulty and over 100 colourful stickers to encourage and reward children. This comprehension practice book includes: - Tips and clues from Alice the Alligator to support children - Extra challenges in Brodie's Brain Boosters to stretch and challenge - Answers at the back of the book - Exciting, colourful illustrations and stickers For more in the popular Let's Do series by Andrew Brodie, see: Let's Do Handwriting, Let's Do Spelling, Let's Do Punctuation, Let's Do Grammar, Let's Do Times Tables, Let's Do Mental Maths, Let's Do Addition and Subtraction and Let's Do Arithmetic