Voices from the Middle, Vol. 11, No. 2, December 2003

Table of Contents

Issue Theme: Of Writers and Writing

• Guest Commentary: Why Writing Matters

  Richard Sterling

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

• Writing Matters

  Linda Rief

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  Abstract: Finding voice is often the most intimidating stumbling block to authentic writing in the classroom. Linda Rief offers insight into tapping students’ passion and promoting personal responsibility for learning with her “quickwrites,” and includes a checklist of ways to elicit writing that matters.

  Keywords: Middle

• Remaining Seated: Lessons Learned by Writing

  Judith M. Jester

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  Abstract: Teachers must also be writers. This notion, at the very heart of the National Writing Project, led Judith Jester to recognize the power of process, feedback, audience, modeling, and thinking. Being a writer and sharing the successful strategies she learned as a NWP fellow has helped her students grow as both thinkers and writers.

  Keywords: Middle

• Hard Trying and These Recipes

  Nancie Atwell

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  Abstract: Writers thrive when they are motivated to work hard, have regular opportunities to practice and reflect, and benefit from a knowledgeable teacher who knows writing. Student feedback to lessons during writing workshop helped guide Nancie Atwell in her quest to provide the richest and most efficient path to better writing.

  Keywords: Middle

• "But teacher, I added a period!" Middle Scholers Learn to Revise

  Bruce Saddler

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  Abstract: The distinction between revising and editing is a hard one for middle schoolers to grasp. Bruce Saddler knows that students must understand that writing means making meaning, and making meaning requires revision. Internalizing that concept and the steps that help achieve it requires a process characterized by peer conferencing, revision guides (provided), whole-class revising, and reflective pauses.

  Keywords: Middle

• Naming Names: A Concrete Way to Help Students Write

  Jeff Anderson

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  Abstract: Writing comes to life when students remember to watch for and express detail—name names. Examples from favorite authors, classroom exercises and discussion, and practice with absolutes and appositives all support students as they focus the “camera” on vivid descriptive elements.

  Keywords: Middle

• Framing Texts: New Strategies for Student Writers

  Deborah Dean

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  Abstract: Using children’s picture books, Deborah Dean provided frameworks for student research papers that avoided the pitfalls leading to voiceless and encyclopedic writing. Research guide sheets; class analysis of text organization, sentence variety, stylistic choices; and peer review all contribute to interesting final papers.

  Keywords: Middle

• Elaboration: The Power Punch of "Body Language" Detail

  Joan Berger

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  Abstract: “Zooming in” with a camera lens led students in Joan Berger’s class to enrich their writing exponentially. Through class discussion of body language, along with the use of worksheets (provided), role-playing, modeling, and conferencing, one aspect of lively writing became a part of their writing repertoire.

  Keywords: Middle

• "What's the Gist?" Summary Writing for Struggling Adolescent Writers

  Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, and Ted Hernandez

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  Abstract: The ability to write tight, concise, and accurate summaries of texts is often a struggle for our students. With specific focus on précis writing, the authors used the GIST (Generating Interaction between Schemata and Text) learning strategy to increase comprehension of expository texts. By breaking down texts into logical sections and writing one-sentence summaries of each, students were able to produce well-written summaries. A rubric for summary assessment is included.

  Keywords: Middle

• Writing with Voice

  Tom Romano

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  Abstract: “Voice” is one of the least concrete elements of good writing, and yet it is also one of the most important. Helping students find a balance between the “gush” of ideas and words and the “long-thinking” of reflection and craft, Tom Romano leads students to allow themselves creative freedom while developing the patience to hone that first rush into a tight and effective piece of writing with voice.

  Keywords: Middle

• EDITOR'S MESSAGE: Some Thoughts on Writing . . .

  Kylene Beers

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  Abstract: Abstract for this article is currently not available.

  Keywords: Middle

• A HAND UP: As Old as We've Ever Been

  Chris Crutcher, editor

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  Abstract: Adolescent problems, indeed anyone’s problems, can best be resolved when adults take the time to step into that child’s shoes. That effort to understand different perspectives and find common ground is the best bet to find solutions.

  Keywords: Middle

• ONE LAST THOUGHT: Assessment: The Alpha and Omega of Achievement

  Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, editor

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  Abstract: Wilhelm proposes principles for classroom writing assessment that address the problems of teaching to state-mandated tests while meeting students’ developmental needs.

  Keywords: Middle

• MIDDLE LEVEL SECTION NEWS

  Kathie Ramsey, editor

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  Abstract: Middle Level award winners, 2004 Convention news, goodbye from Kathie Ramsey.

  Keywords: Middle

• THE LITERATURE CIRCLE: Reading Like a Writer

  Harvey Daniels, editor

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  Abstract: Reading internalizes every aspect of good writing—if you’re reading good writing, which most middle school textbooks aren’t. Here are criteria and suggestions for good content-area articles and trade nonfiction books.

  Keywords: Middle

• THE TEACHER'S TOOLBOX: Build Your Own Tools and Templates

  Jim Burke, editor

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  Abstract: Burke shares a teaching tool he created for use with teaching paraphrase, but he encourages teachers to make a practice of creating their own tools and offers principles for doing so.

  Keywords: Middle

• THE WORD MARKET: Adding Underwear to Our Writing: Word Study in Writing Workshop

  Janet Allen, editor

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  Abstract: Voracious readers learn about sentence structure, strong verbs, and mature vocabulary when they read, but struggling readers are at a disadvantage there. Sharing great words in word banks mounted on classroom walls helps even the most reluctant writers to get started.

  Keywords: Middle

• LITERATURE: ELEMENTS OF STYLE: Tone and Mood: Kissin' Cousins

  Carol Jago, editor

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  Abstract: Careful word choice is the key to tone in a piece of writing. Jago’s activities and examples help students wield that power in their own writing.

  Keywords: Middle

• TECH CONNECT: Getting Connected: Writing Strategies on the Web

  Nancy Patterson, editor

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  Abstract: Writing processes can change from person to person or even day to day. Several Web sites offer online help to a broad array of writers.

  Keywords: Middle

• PROFESSIONAL BOOK REVIEWS: Becoming Writers

  Leigh Van Horn, editor

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  Abstract: Reviewed are: Lessons That Change Writers (Nancie Atwell); 100 Quickwrites (Linda Rief); Because Writing Matters: Improving Student Writing in Our Schools (National Writing Project and Carol Nagin); Writing for Real: Strategies for Engaging Adolescent Writers (Ross M. Burkhardt); The Revision Toolbox: Teaching Techniques That Work (Georgia Heard)

  Keywords: Middle, Secondary

• BOOK TALK: Models of Writing: Epistolary Novels and Novels in Verse

  Teri Lesesne, editor

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  Abstract: New and classic models of writing—epistolary novels and novels in verse.

  Keywords: Middle

• STUDENT TO STUDENT: Resolving to Read

  Kim Ford, editor

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  Abstract: Students write reviews of favorite books.

  Keywords: Middle

• Call for Manuscripts

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  Keywords: Middle

• ANNOUNCEMENTS

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  Keywords: Middle

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