Instead of chanting grammar rules or completing countless convention worksheets, Jeff Anderson and literacy coach Whitney La Rocca invite young writers to explore conventions as special effects devices that activate meaning. Their students study authentic texts and come to recognize these "patterns of power"—the essential grammar conventions that readers and writers require to make meaning.
The first part of the book introduces a way of thinking about grammar instruction and sets up everything you need to immerse yourself in the process of inviting elementary students to experiment and play with language. The second part of the book offers over seventy practical, ready-to-use lessons.
Patterns of Power invites you to take just five minutes from your reading workshop and five minutes from your writing workshop to focus on conventions. Those ten minutes will have a miraculous effect on your students' understanding of how language works for readers and writers.
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Mentor Text Title List
Study Guide
CCSS Correlation
TEKS Correlation
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Author Bio
For the past 25 years, Jeff Anderson has worked with writers and teachers of grades, K-12, inspiring them about the power and joy of the writing process. Jeff is known for his enthusiasm in making grammar, editing, and writing a positive experience for teachers and students. He has written five books for Stenhouse Publishers: Mechanically Inclined, Everyday Editing, 10 Things Every Writer Needs to Know, Revision Decisions and his latest professional book Patterns of Power. He also has two middle grade novels, Zack Delacruz: Me and My Big Mouth and Zack Delacruz: Just My Luck. A frequent presenter at national and state conferences, Jeff is a full-time staff developer and writer.
Whitney La Rocca is an elementary literacy coach and has spent 18 years working with young readers and writers. She enjoys delivering professional development and coaching teachers in best practices to empower children to create their identities in the world of literacy.