Schoolwide

To View:
- Sample Lessons
- Complete Book Lists
- Unit Overviews and much more
Please select a grade level
Grades K-1
Grades 2-3
Grades 4-5
Grades 6-8
 
 
Related Materials
• Books Lead the Way: How does Schoolwide select the texts for each Unit?
• Based on models of best practice in writing instruction
• Writing Fundamentals Curriculum Calendar
• Mini-Lesson Architecture (PDF)
• Setting the Stage: A Writing Workshop Classroom
 Books Lead the Way
Choosing the Touchstone Texts for Each Unit
Schoolwide carefully selects each title emphasizing quality and variety.
What we look for:
• Variety of Authors:
Children should be familiar with different authors from different backgrounds with different styles.
• Variety of Language:
Does the writer have a way with words? Do the words create images and bring out voice?
• Variety of Structure (Organization):
Is the story a narrative, a single event, a descriptive list? How are the text and illustrations presented? Does the book use multiple frames, close ups, scenes...?
• Books as Models:
Is the text accessible to the students? Will the students be inspired and think, “I can write like that.”
• Neat Features:
Does the book have an interesting Author's Note, Dedication, Engaging Illustrations?