New Reviews: Center for the Collaborative Classroom’s Being a Writer

The Center for the Collaborative Classroom’s Being a Writer is a supplemental language arts resource for students in grades K-6. Resources are available in print and online formats. Instruction focuses on developing skillful, creative writers and socially adept learners. At grades K-2, Being a Writer addresses students’ ability to communicate stories by drawing, telling, and using written letters, words, and simple sentences. Instruction at grades 3-6 addresses the writing process (i.e., drafting, revising, proofreading, and publishing) and specific genres of writing.

Being a Writer focuses on developing writing and social skills. Writing instruction is supported by the “6+1 Trait Writing Model” that emphasizes seven traits of quality writing: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. Across grades, students learn to communicate their ideas logically and with creativity and expression. Social development is addressed through the use of “Cooperative Structures,” such as brainstorming and small group and partner activities. Cooperative experiences teach students to work collaboratively and to treat others with care and respect.

Being a Writer encourages teachers to grow as writers and as collaborators (i.e., with colleagues) and includes extensive training in teaching writing content and using program resources. Teacher materials support work in teacher teams and professional learning communities.

About Center for the Collaborative Classroom*

The Center for the Collaborative Classroom is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to providing continuous professional learning for teachers and curricula that support the academic, ethical, and social development of children. The organization brings to bear 51 years of collective experience from two leading educational nonprofit organizations: Developmental Studies Center (DSC) and Cornerstone Literacy, Inc. (CLI).

We believe that how we teach matters as much as what we teach. Our professional development honors all teachers and empowers them to create the conditions for learning that will meet rigorous state standards and nurture the needs of the whole child. Our programs and carefully selected trade books help children appreciate the ideas and opinions of others, learn to agree and disagree respectfully, think critically about big ideas, and become responsible citizens of the world.

*The content in this section is provided by or adapted from the Center for the Collaborative Classroom.

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