Units of Study for Teaching Writing, Grades 3-5

Both series are built around sequential units of study representing 4 to 6 weeks of instruction. Each unit of study contains 15 to 18 sessions. And each of these sessions is built on a coherent framework of regular features that include:

• an introduction
• a 10-minute minilesson
• recommendations for conferring
• share time
• suggestions for tailoring the lessons
• suggest homework
• and more!

In addition, instruction in both series is supported by a side-column rich with Lucy's coaching commentary and samples of real student work. Most importantly, both series were developed, piloted and refined by Lucy Calkins and her colleagues from the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project.

Each session has one of three new features:

• Mechanics emphasizes the important language conventions that readers expect, and that students need to master to become effective writers.
• Assessment helps teachers look at a piece of writing with a growth line in mind, name what the child can do, and plan the next instructional step.
• Collaborating with Colleagues offers ideas for building a community of weriting instructors to help support and refine your practice.

In addition, a  Homework  and a special "In Your Class..." section help you tailor the minilessons even more carefully to the specific needs of your students.