"Teachers encounter struggling writers every day. Here′s a great guide with practical advice and lots of wisdom—covering everything from pencil grip to the power of praise—that will lift up struggling writers and their teachers." —Richard Gentry, Researcher, Author, Educational Consultant Catch young writers before they fall through the cracks! The ideal companion to Connie Hebert′s Catch a Falling Reader, this easy-to-use resource helps K–3 teachers "catch" falling writers before feelings of frustration, defeat, and low confidence develop, making it difficult for children to catch up. Catch a Falling Writer presents concise approaches for engaging and working with young writers who have challenges with language, vocabulary, fine-motor competency, grammar, diction, correct pencil grip, or letter/sound recognition. Perfect for teachers, literacy specialists and coaches, special education teachers, and student teachers striving to close the gap between reading instruction and writing proficiency, this resource presents: Innovative, research-based strategies for engaging students in writing, setting a purpose for writing, and teaching the mechanics of writing Strategies that can be used as curriculum supplements to foster independent writing Resources and Web sites for further information Prepare students to meet the growing demands of upper grade levels by boosting their writing capabilities!

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction Part I. Engaging in Writing Catch a Falling Writer by...Generating Meaningful Discussions Catch a Falling Writer by...Scaffolding Ideas for Writing Catch a Falling Writer by...Using Wordless Picture Books Catch a Falling Writer by...Activating Prior Knowledge Catch a Falling Writer by...Modeling HOW to Write Catch a Falling Writer by...Creating a Vocabulary "Shopping Cart" Catch a Falling Writer by...Motivating With Puppets Catch a Falling Writer by...Encouraging Dramatic Expression Catch a Falling Writer by...Teaching the Purpose of a Web Catch a Falling Writer by...Introducing a Story Frame Catch a Falling Writer by...Maintaining a Motivating Writing Center Part II. The Mechanics of Writing Catch a Falling Writer by...Correcting the Pencil Grip Catch a Falling Writer by...Using a Variety of Tools Catch a Falling Writer by...Starting With Unlined Paper and Paper Plates Catch a Falling Writer by...Teaching Proper Penmanship Positions Catch a Falling Writer by...Attending to Directionality and Spacing Catch a Falling Writer by...Correcting Errors Catch a Falling Writer by...Articulating Words Aloud Catch a Falling Writer by...Tapping, Stomping, and Jumping Words Catch a Falling Writer by...Practicing Letter Formations and Sight Words Catch a Falling Writer by...Rebuilding Cut-Up Sentences Part III. Creating Independence Catch a Falling Writer by...Using Verbal Prompts for Self-Editing Catch a Falling Writer by...Offering a Pinch of Praise Catch a Falling Writer by...Recording Oral Responses on Sticky Notes Catch a Falling Writer by...Offering a Variety of Focus Sheets Catch a Falling Writer by...Dealing With Procrastination Catch a Falling Writer by...Using a Variety of "Good" Questions Catch a Falling Writer by...Adding Art, Music, & Drama Catch a Falling Writer by...Connecting Writing With Reading Catch a Falling Writer by...Guiding Writers in Small-Group Instruction Appendix: Focus Sheets Recommended Web Sites, Research, and Texts