Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 27 seconds. Contains 491 words
Target Audience: Literacy coaches, classroom teachers
How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Matt Glover and Carl Anderson is a comprehensive guide that illuminates the art of teaching writing with insightful strategies and practical advice. Both of these authors have been inspirational to me in my own journey as a writing teacher, so I was excited to dig into the pages of their most recent book.
I have a lot of favorite parts of this book! There are videos, checklists, charts, and clear explanations of some of my most important aspects of writing instruction. The diagnostic tool is a standout. For any writing teacher– from just starting out to super experienced– this tool will help shed light on ways to become a better writing teacher.
An important tenant of adult learners involves empowering them to have a say in their learning goals and pathways. This book takes this into account! I know that I get set in my routines, and I forget about concepts and ideas I once knew and did regularly. Additionally, there are ideas I haven’t thought of or heard about, and their diagnostic tool serves as both a reminder and an inspiration to better my practice. This tool also helps to determine a pathway for navigating this book. Because it aligns with the chapters and guiding principles, I can identify what I want to work on, and then know where in the book I can find ways to do my self-identified work. How great is that?!
I have always admired presenters and authors who balance theory, research, and rationale with practicality, realism, and resources. Carl and Matt begin with guiding beliefs and foundational principles about writing instruction; I read these sections and found myself nodding, wanting to shout out “yes” and “exactly” as I read. I’d love to sit over coffee (or tea or wine or water or your choice) and talk through the importance of time, audience, authenticity, response, and other key components that the authors address early and eloquently. Those beliefs set up the trail guide for whatever, however, and wherever readers want to begin. The two-part structure to each chapter addresses:
- Why you should prioritize aligning your practice to this principle, and;
- What you can do to align your practice with the principle.
Their statement is: “We’ll describe a series of practical actions that will help you align your teaching to each principle” (p. 9). I feel like these two bullets and the aligning statement should be foundational to everything I do!
My copy of this book is already becoming a little tattered as it travels in my coaching bag and I press it against the copy machine. My gratitude goes out to Carl and Matt for the reflection and respect they give teachers, their commitment to responsive– and NOT script-based!– writing instruction, and the clarity in which they provide accessible and differentiated concepts for writing teachers regardless of experience, confidence, and competency, It is my honor to share this book with the Two Writing Teachers Community.
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You can win a copy of How to Become a Better Writing Teacher by Carl Anderson and Matt Glover donated by Heinemann. To enter the giveaway, leave a comment about this post by Sunday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. EDT. The winner will be randomly selected by Melanie Meehan and announced in a follow-up post on February 17. You must have a U.S. mailing address and provide a valid e-mail address when you post your comment. If you win, Melanie will email you for your mailing address. You must respond within five days, or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck!
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This looks like a book that I could get some important information from. I always feel like I’m failing at the writing part in my classroom. Any help I can get is much appreciated.
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I’d love to read this book! I’m always looking to improve my teaching.
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I loved hearing that this book offers a lot of different avenues for teachers to feel supported and build a deeper understanding. Videos, charts, checklists….they all sound like tools I would love to use to become a better writing teacher!
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we recently referenced this book during a professional learning at our district! The videos and resources that go along with this book are exceptional! I would love it get this copy to continue to share with teachers across our district.
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This book sounds like an amazing resource for becoming a better writing teacher. This is an area of need and I am excited about learning from this book.
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Teaching writing scares most teachers. I hope this book will alleviate some of the fears we have about writing.
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I love the idea of the diagnostic tool to assess my own beliefs/practices and then use the outcome to guide my learning. I’ve been teaching writing for so long that it would be good to step back and reflect. Thank you for sharing this book with us and the opportunity to win a copy.
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Thank you for your review of this book. I am not familiar with Carl Anderson but like to hear that his suggestions are practical and classroom ready to go. I look forward to reading this book. I am looking for new energy for my writing instruction.
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This looks like it would be a great resource for any writing teacher. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to win a copy!
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Matt and Carl always provide practical tips and advice for teaching writing—I’m looking forward to adding this resource to my collection! #pickmepickme
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This book would be a treasure. Your review explained just how much of a treasure!
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The two-part structure to each chapter addresses: Why you should prioritize aligning your practice to this principle, and;What you can do to align your practice with the principle. Their statement is: “We’ll describe a series of practical actions that will help you align your teaching to each principle” (p. 9).
This got me hooked and made me read them again and again. Thank you for sharing about this book.
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Read, Read, Read then Write, Write, Write. The foundations of being a good teacher and writer. I love this review and I love these authors. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book.
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I loved Carl’s book, How’s it Going? and used that phrase to start my writing workshop conferences when I was a classroom teacher. I’m excited because I am going to one of his workshops next week at Rutgers University! I didn’t know he and Matt teamed up for a new book. So curious to read it!
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This sounds like an amazing resource that I’d love to investigate and share with my collegues!
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I have been eyeing this book for a while. Teaching writing has always been a struggle for me. I feel as if I am spinning my wheels.
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“I have always admired presenters and authors who balance theory, research, and rationale with practicality, realism, and resources.”
Yes!
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I am the instructional coach at a k-5 school. I am always on the lookout for tools to help our teachers. This sounds like a wonderful book with practical, helpful tools and insights. I would love to read it and recommend it to others.
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Sitting over coffee to talk about the book after such a wonderfully warm review sounds like a little slice of heaven. There is nothing quite like a rich discussion of helpful, practical content of a book and its impact with others who understand the need for impact. As a District Literacy Specialist for grades PreK-12 in a rural area of Georgia, I’m always eager to dive into books just like this one! Thanks so much for sharing.
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Carl Anderson has always inspired my teaching of writing! As the Elementary Writing Specialist for my school district, this would be a great book for me to read and recommend to others.
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Thank you for this offering. I’d love to share this with my Writing for Teachers class.
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Carl Anderson has always inspired my teaching of writing! As the Elementary Writing Specialist for my school district, this would be a great book for me to read and recommend to others.
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The idea of combining research, theory, and routines combined with the one of realism and practicality os one that I strive to keep in the forefront of my teaching, and it can be so hard!
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love this book so much, gave copies to my admins as a gift
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Great review! I am a fan of these two authors as well. My teaching of writing seems to be in a slump right now…mainly due to pressure of raising standardized test scores. I would love a reboot in my perspective and motivation!
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This book sounds easy to navigate with practical advice for teachers. What else would one expect from Matt and Carl. I’ve added to my wish list.
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I love the idea of this book so much. I write with a group called Teach Write. We believe teacher who write make the best writing teachers. I’m interested to read more of their perspectives.
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I would love you have this book! My favorite subject to teach is writing, but it’s also the one were I know I can improve the most. I teach fourth grade at a Title I school. I am trying to instill a love for writing in my students, and I need the skills to teach writing better.
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I’m an instructional coach at my school and I’m always looking for ways to support teachers. I live the idea of a diagnostic for teachers to help set goals they want to work toward.
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This sounds like a great book. I am a lifelong learner and would like to read this book to help me become better at helping my students to become better readers.
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This post caught my eye as after reflecting on the first half of my school year, I set a goal for myself to revamp my writing workshop and improve my writing instruction. I have always respected and loved Carl Anderson’s work, so I’d be thrilled to read more from him
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This sounds like an interesting read! I love the idea of a diagnostic and checklists!
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I am a school district librarian. Always looking for professional development books for our district educators. As a bonus, I get to read them to learn how to be a better instructional coach and writer. Thank you for this initiative.
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Really excited about this book and the knowledge it will bring! I am a reading and writing coach who works with teachers K-5. I look forward to learning about their principles and how to plan with these in mind. Thank you for sharing this opportunity.
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i’m always looking to become a better writing teacher. This is my 30th year teaching elementary school. I have taught grades 2,3,4 and five currently grade 4. I am always looking for new ideas.
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