Foundational Skills for Writing: A Brain-Based Guide to Strengthen Executive Functions, Language, and Other Cornerstones for Writers

Strengthen the foundational skills that set students up for writing success

Writing is more than putting words down on paper—it’s a tool for thinking and learning, a vehicle for expression and connection.

Yet, writing instruction has often received less attention than reading, even though it's just as complex. In fact, writing is one of the most complex tasks the brain coordinates, drawing simultaneously on language skills, executive functions, and motor processes.

Foundational Skills for Writing tackles that complexity by offering evidence-based methods, purposeful strategies, and playful approaches teachers can use to nurture essential writing skills. By supporting educators in developing the cognitive, motor, and language foundations of writing, this book helps students succeed academically, express themselves authentically, and connect meaningfully with the world.

Drawing from brain-based research and the science of writing, this book provides:

• Clear explanations of each foundational writing skill, including executive functions, oral language, motor skills, handwriting, spelling, and sentence construction.
• Practical connections to neurological research on the writing brain and how writing skills develop.
• Strategies, lessons, and routines that strengthen writing foundations during busy school days.
• Instructional activities to introduce, reinforce, and review foundational writing skills across primary, elementary, and middle school classrooms— skills that support growth in every area of literacy.
• Vetted tools, authentic examples, and practical scaffolds—making it a read-today, teach-tomorrow resource for immediate classroom impact.

Educators will gain the knowledge and tools to nurture young writers’ growth, support them through challenges, and build their confidence and competence.

Having begun her teaching career as a special education teacher, Melanie has been the Elementary Writing and Social Studies Coordinator in Simsbury, Connecticut since 2012, and her passion for writing has led to several books and publications.

Melanie’s first book, Every Child Can Write, was published by Corwin Press in October 2019. With a foundational belief that all students can learn to write, this book provides strategies and resources that teachers can use, duplicate, and gather inspiration from. The Responsive Writing Teacher, co-written with Kelsey Sorum, was published in February 2021 and emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding students across many platforms in order to teach them powerfully. Melanie’s most recent book,  Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Elementary Writing, is part of Corwin Press’s Five to Thrive Series.

Melanie is also a co-author of  Two Writing Teachers, a blog dedicated to the teaching of writing. Additionally, she co-hosts the companion podcast. Melanie’s past conference presentations and additional blogs and articles can be found  here.

Melanie holds a BA from Cornell University, an MA in Special Education from the University of Hartford, and a second MA in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. Melanie also has her Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing through the Solstice MFA Program of Pine Manor College.

Maggie Beattie Roberts began her teaching career in the heart of Chicago before moving to New York City and completing graduate studies as a Literacy Specialist at Teachers College, Columbia University. Today, she is a national literacy consultant, author, and highly sought-after professional learning facilitator. Known for her ability to build strong relationships with teachers and school leaders, Maggie thrives when working side-by-side with educators.

Maggie is passionate about supporting teachers in creating inclusive classrooms that meet the needs of all students. She has post-baccalaureate certification in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity with specialization in Executive Function from Landmark College. As co-author of DIY Literacy: Teaching Tools for Differentiation, Rigor, and Independence (with Kate Roberts), Maggie continues to empower educators with tools that enhance student learning and independence.