All About Me!

This one-of-a-kind resource gives K-6 students dozens of teacher and student writing samples to use as models for their own work. Higher-level thinking questions involving structure, mechanics, and voice follow in order for students to analyze the components of the pieces so that they can become familiar with the requirements for every mode of writing. The "Writing Tricks" are concrete methods to enable students to work on the abstract concept of voice not only in their own writing but to study how the masters have achieved success.

Besides writing at all levels and in all modes, students are provided with student-interactive rubrics—not merely "grading" rubrics—but step-by-step processes that enable writers to revise their papers to prove that the necessary elements are included in their pieces. Peer responses also are designed to ensure that readers offer constructive criticism that will further shape the papers. By the time the works have gone through so many stages, the final products are sophisticated pieces that make conferencing not a task but a pleasure. Reading, grammar, and writing integrated with other content areas as well as vocabulary and engagement strategies are included as well. This book will work with any curriculum at any given point.

"In fourteen years of teaching fourth, fifth, and sixth grades, I have never used material that compares with Mary Ellen Ledbetter's. Consistent use of Dailies, Smiley-Face Tricks (Voice), and literary strategies will ensure your students' overwhelming success on standardized tests. Mary Ellen Ledbetter's books are absolutely must-have-guaranteed-to-work resources for all language arts teachers."

Sharlene Kalich
Clear Lake Schools