Grammar Matters provides teachers with the classroom-tested tools they need to get kids not only engaged but excited about learning grammar. Divided into four parts-Narrative Writing, Informational Writing, Opinion Writing, and Grammar Conversations-this handy reference provides practical teaching tips, assessment ideas, grammar definitions, and specific mentor texts to help students learn about parts of speech, idioms, usage issues, and punctuation. Through drafting, revising, and editing exercises, conversations, conferences, and "Your Turn" lessons, students will learn not only specific concepts but also how to reflect upon and transfer what they've learned to other writing tasks, no matter the subject. The appendices include an extensive list of books that fit naturally into grammar instruction, information on homophones, checklists, comma rules, help for ELL students, and a glossary of grammar terms.

In A Closer Look, Lynne Dorfman and Diane Dougherty provide the tools and strategies you need to use formative assessment in writing workshop. Through Lynne and Diane’s ideas, you will be able to establish an environment where students will internalize ways that they can assess their own writing and become independent writers. Lynne and Diane share methods for collecting and managing information, and show practical, simple, and concise ways to document student thinking. In the accompanying online videos, they demonstrate conferences with individual writers, small groups, and whole groups. Quick, easy-to-manage assessment methods emphasize that formative assessment does not have to take a long time to be worthwhile and effective. Vignettes from classroom teachers, principals, and authors add a variety of perspectives and classroom experiences on this important topic. A Closer Look shows that when students are in charge of their own writing process and set and reach their own goals, writing becomes a vibrant, energetic part of the day.