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Brain-Friendly Strategies for Developing Student Writing Skills
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Brain-Friendly Strategies for Developing Student Writing Skills

Second Edition
Edited by:


October 2008 | 200 pages | Corwin

"Explains brain research in easy-to-understand language and includes real classroom stories from diverse grade levels and student populations. Any teacher who wants to support effective, brain-friendly instruction should read this book and share it with colleagues and administrators."
—Bobbie Faulkner, Teacher
Scottsdale Unified School District, Phoenix, AZ

"The major strengths are the implications of current brain research and how to maximize student learning and enjoyment in the learning process."
—Mary Moore, Third-Grade Teacher
Jason Lee Elementary School, Richland, WA

A brain-based approach for nurturing the writer in every student!

Today's world of high-stakes testing challenges teachers to find a balance between brain-centered and test-driven practices. This insightful book provides a framework for using brain-compatible strategies to develop confident and competent writers while meeting district and national standards.

The author applies core principles of effective teaching to writing instruction and shows teachers how to foster a love of writing in their classroom. Written in a user-friendly format, this revised edition of Write Brain Write features classroom stories, reflection questions, student examples, and activities for elementary, middle, and high school students to help teachers implement brain-friendly writing instruction. This resource provides information on:

  • Creating a brain-compatible classroom based on how the brain learns
  • Using a seven-step framework to promote writing skills
  • Integrating test preparation with instruction to boost student achievement
  • Cross-curricular writing in social studies, science, math, and language arts

Foster high literacy and increase performance on high-stakes tests while nurturing an authentic love for learning in every student!


 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Preface
 
1. Introducing the Brain-Compatible Framework for Student Achievement
Four Brain-Compatible Classroom Principles

 
Five Core Propositions of Accomplished Teaching

 
Six Features of Effective Instruction

 
The Brain-Compatible Framework for Student Achievement

 
A Brain Journey

 
Celebrating the Learning Brain

 
21st-Century Brain-Compatible Teachers

 
21st-Century High-Stakes-Tested Students

 
Can You Hear Me Now?

 
Questions for Reflection

 
 
2. Making Connections Across Instruction, Curriculum, and Life
Characteristics of Feature One

 
Reflecting on the Brain-Compatible Framework and Feature One

 
The Brain-Compatible Framework With Feature One in Action

 
Learning About Our Students

 
Brain Surveys

 
Writing Connections

 
Writing: Pleasure or Pain?

 
Seven Stages of Brain-Friendly Writing Instruction

 
Verbs Are Your Friends: Describing Verbs

 
How, Why, and What Verbs

 
Questions for Reflection

 
 
3. Teaching Skills in Multiple Lesson Types
Characteristics of Feature Two

 
Separate, Simulated, and Integrated Instruction

 
Reflecting on the Brain-Compatible Framework and Feature Two

 
The Brain-Compatible Framework With Feature Two in Action

 
Questions for Reflection

 
 
4. Integrating Test Preparation Into Instruction
Characteristics of Feature Three?s Successful Teachers

 
Reflecting on the Brain-Compatible Framework and Feature Three

 
The Brain-Compatible Framework With Feature Three in Action

 
Test Savvy

 
Hero Quest

 
Questions for Reflection

 
 
5. Teaching Students Strategies for Doing the Work
Characteristics of Feature Four

 
Reflecting on the Brain-Compatible Framework and Feature Four

 
The Brain-Compatible Framework With Feature Four in Action

 
The Clue to Exact Writing

 
Setting the Stage for Authentic Assessment and Learning

 
Questions for Reflection

 
 
6. Expecting Generative Thinking
Characteristics of Feature Five

 
Reflecting on the Brain-Compatible Framework and Feature Five

 
The Brain-Compatible Framework and Feature Five in Action

 
Generative Thinking in Elementary School

 
Generative Thinking in Middle School

 
Generative Thinking in High School

 
Writing and Generative Thinking

 
Questions for Reflection

 
 
7. Fostering Cognitive Collaboration
Characteristics of Feature Six

 
Reflecting on the Brain-Compatible Framework and Feature Six

 
The Brain-Compatible Framework and Feature Six in Action

 
Collaboration and Seating Arrangements

 
Cognitive Collaboration Beyond the Classroom: Community Writing Partners

 
Celebrate the Results

 
Authors' Day

 
Questions for Reflection

 
 
8. Envisioning Every Child as a Lifelong Learner
 
References
 
Index

"The major strengths of this book are the implications of current brain research and how to maximize student learning and enjoyment in the learning process. It’s all about the learning in the classroom, which is where the focus must be."

Mary Moore, Third-Grade Teacher
Jason Lee Elementary School, Richland, WA

"Provides teachers with applicable research on brain-compatible learning and provides students with tools for developing their talent as writers."

Wanda Stuckey, English Teacher
Griffin High School, GA

"Explains brain research in easy-to-understand language and includes real classroom stories from diverse grade levels and student populations, as well as cross-curricular writing activities that foster high literacy and performance on high-stakes tests. Any teacher who wants reliable research to support effective, brain-friendly instruction should read this book and share it with colleagues and administrators."

Bobbie Faulkner, Teacher
Scottsdale Unified School District, Phoenix, AZ

"Allows teachers to see the inside of a successful system for teaching students to write with confidence and proficiency. Hanson offers experience and personal learning on how the brain works and thinks about communication through writing."

Patricia Allison, Recruitment, Retention, and Preparation Coordinator
Arizona Department of Education

"Recognizes the importance of preparing teachers to act as involved researchers in their own classrooms. The book encourages teachers to develop practices that will help their students become lifelong learners, not just competent test takers."

Edith Wagner, Associate Professor of English
Tusculum College

"Instructional leaders are constantly looking for ways to help teachers work smarter, not harder, in the quest to maximize student achievement. Hanson provides a brain-compatible framework to do precisely that."

Shaun Holmes, Principal
Navajo Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ

"A one-of-a-kind, practical text for all teachers. Hanson takes us on a journey by providing teaching strategies and specific examples to prepare students to become lifelong writers!"

Sonia Aguila, ESL Teacher/Consultant

"During the past thirty years as an English teacher and professor, as an educational publisher and national writing consultant, and as the director of the Educational Leadership Institute, I have not seen a more powerful book on the teaching of writing. Think of this book as a gift to yourself, your colleagues, and your students. Think of it as a spark that just might initiate a renaissance in the way writing is taught."

RW (Skip) Kistner, President
CoachWriter
Key features
  • Updated research
  • An innovative research-based brain-compatible framework for student achievement
  • Cross-curricular writing activities
  • Activities and strategies for all grade levels

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