This timely revision starts with an inclusive definition of writing and suggests simple ways to introduce students to the purpose of writing. It discusses the key relationship between reading and writing, and the importance of oral language in building strong writers. Based on the work of real K-2 students, the book shows teachers how to interpret student work, identify what they know, and build naturally on the strengths their work displays. It argues for consistent teaching that includes a delicate balance between direct instruction and independent learning.
"Like other idealists of my generation, I became a teacher to make the world a better place," says Janine. "I love making a difference for kids. I love helping them recognize their strength and potential as learners. I love it when a class becomes a community of learners and inquirers. I love it when teachers share their passion for their work and excite each other with possibilities."
Janine received her master's degree from Simon Fraser University and has been a teacher in grades K through 7 in Vancouver, North British Columbia, and in Jamaica. She also had "two stints" as a faculty associate at Simon Fraser University.
Her first book, Writing Anchors, evolved from a series of workshops Janine and her coauthor, Jan Wells, gave for teachers in Vancouver for over a three-year period. The second book, What's Next for This Beginning Writer?was an "instant book." "We like to say it took one hundred years and two months to write," says Janine. "After one hundred years of combined classroom experience, the book practically wrote itself in just two months!"
Janine is married, with three grown children. She enjoys gardening, walking, reading, crossword puzzles, watercolor, writing, and workshop preparation.
Betty can't remember a time when she didn't want to be a teacher. "I wanted to have a big red pen and mark papers when I was in third grade, and when I was a young adult I knew that working with children would make me happy -- and it has! I love making children smile and I love that look of concentration and pleasure that comes when they first try something new and find out they can do it."
Betty was born in Bella Coola, British Columbia, and holds a bachelor's degree in education and a special education diploma. She has thirty years' experience in kindergarten and primary classrooms, in learning-assistance positions, and as a consultant for students with learning disabilities. She is currently a literacy consultant, workshop presenter, and literacy advisor for One to One, a nonprofit tutoring organization.
She believes that effective professional development should be ongoing and school based. "I think the first step is always to be inspired to do something different and that may happen by hearing a speaker talk enthusiastically about their ideas. When colleagues in your school setting get inspired and meet regularly to turn ideas into action, that process describes good professional development."
Betty writes her books from her own experiences and makes sure that she gets the "skeleton" of the book right. "The fun part is fleshing out the ideas."
In her free time, Betty enjoys reading, sailing, writing, and being a grandmother.
A teacher for 30 years,
Ulla Petersen has taught ESL (K-7) and all primary grades. In her years teaching grade 1, she has been fascinated with the tremendous growth in writing her young students exhibit over the school year when they write daily. Ulla has presented workshops in local school districts on implementing Writing Workshop, and has hosted countless visitors to her classroom. Ulla lives in Vancouver, BC.
