1. Author’s Craft
An overview of why and how

2. “It has been our sense that many teachers tend to
interact with their students at the ends of the
process—conceiving and correcting. Teachers
show students how to use a variety of prewriting
techniques (webs, story maps, time lines, and
outlines). Then they give students detailed editing
checklists to use…..The item in the middle—craft—
gets the least attention. Students are left on their
own to make a thousand decisions in their texts…”
– Ralph Fletcher
What we may be doing…

3. What we can be
doing….
• Select a wide range of literature
• Read Aloud Frequently
• Reread regularly
• Make time for students to talk their want into
an understanding of the text
• Use specific language to talk about craft
• Teach your students to read as writers
• Linger longer in selective texts
• Use picture books for all-level learners
• Model our own writing and think- aloud
• Use anchor charts to make learning visible
• Allow plenty of time for students to write