PreK 2 Writing Classroom

Learn what young children can do as competent, confident writers when we create writing classrooms that support their developmental patterns and provide them with multiple opportunities to write for numerous purposes across the curriculum. The authors spotlight the childrens strengths in brief case studies to help you understand the significance of their efforts, and offer specific recommendations you can use to help your own students use writing as a meaning-making tool in various subject areas and settings. The chapters follow a pattern: 1) introductory paragraph; 2) "snapshots" of individual students or groups of students; 3) an analysis of the case studies in terms of strengths and breakthroughs; 4) overviews of how these specific PreK–2 classrooms worked with the topic at hand to improve children's writing; 5) recommendations for what you can do in your classroom to encourage and support your young writers. For use with Grades PreK–2.

Confident young writers and their teachers show you quality writing instruction and offer tips and strategies so you foster similar successful writing in your own PreK–2 classroom.

Jane Hansen is a professor at the University of Virginia and a member of an ongoing team of teacher-researchers who study writers of all ages. Dr. Hansen, the author of multiple books including When Writers Read, is also the Director of the Central Virginia Writing Project.

Robyn Davis, a 12-year veteran teacher, currently teaches kindergarten in the Charlotte (VA) City Schools. She loves to share stories and photos of her two daughters with her students, and believes strongly in the importance of young writers putting marker to paper every day, from the first day of school on.

Jenesse Evertson was a teacher for eight years in various states. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Virginia, where she studied kindergarten writers, and loves to read to any and all children who will listen. An avid reader of children's literature, she is often consulted by others for advice on book selection.

Tena Freeman has taught for many years, the last several in Richmond, VA at St. Andrews, a private, philanthropically funded school that serves children who need an especially attentive, caring academic culture. She loves the close atmosphere of this special little school, and enjoys sharing stories about her grandchildren with her students.

Dorothy Suskind, formerly a professor, primary teacher, and reading supervisor, now works as fifth-grade teacher at St. Christophers School in Richmond, VA. She earned her doctorate at the University of Virginia, and teaches childrens literature and writing courses for nearby universities.

Holly Tower is an Assistant Professor of Education at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, ID. She works primarily with Elementary Literacy minors, and teaches them to support their students so they can enjoy a lifetime of reading and writing. Previously, Holly worked as a special education teacher and literacy specialist in rural Virginia and taught Reading Development at Piedmont Virginia Community College.