This guide is aimed at teachers of writing at the elementary level.It "is divided into six sections focusing on different aspects of organizing and maintaining a writing classroom.In every chapter, Graves includes examplesof a number of 'actions,' which he defines as 'something you do to become as active teacher of writing.'"(Harv Educ Rev)Bibliography.Index.

I. Make a Fresh Start

1. Consider Your Roots
2. Learn from the Children
3. Why Would Anyone Ever Want to Write?
4. Day One: Help Children to Write and Keep Writing
5. Understand Children When They Write
6. Expect More of Your Writers

II. Establish the Essentials for Child Responsibility

7. Conditions for Effective Writing
8. Begin to Organize Your Classroom
9. Help Children to Share Their Writing
10. Evaluate Your Own Classroom
11. Experiment with Portfolios

III. Teach the Fundamentals of Writing

12. Help Children Learn Conventions
13. Help Children to Read Their Own Work
14. Help Children to Revise Their Work
15. How to Keep Handwriting in Perspective
16. Spell to Communicate
17. Answers to Frequent Questions Teachers Ask About Teaching Writing

IV. Broaden the Children's Repertoire for Writing

18. Help Children Read and Write Fiction
19. Show the Children How to Write Nonfiction
20. Uncover the World Through Poetry

V. Continue to Learn with Others

21. Work with Parents and Administrators
22. Live the Professional Life