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Wondrous Words: Reimagining Writers and Writing in the Elementary Classroom
So much has changed since 1999 when the original Wondrous Writers and Writing in the Elementary Classrooms was published. The world is a different place, and our classrooms have changed. But, so much of what we learned in Wondrous Words holds true today. In this new reimagined edition of Wondrous Words, Katie Wood Ray revisits some of her original work that has been the grounding for quality writing instruction over the past quarter-century. Along with elementary teacher and EL coach, Stella Villalba, this book takes on new life.
With the addition of new titles, new insights from children’s authors and stories from classrooms today, Katie Wood Ray and Stella Villalba show what is possible when teachers embrace an inquiry-based instructional stance that creates joyful, rigorous, and student-centered writing classrooms
Not only will you learn about books that serve as wonderful mentors for young writers, but you’ll learn practical ideas for how to introduce key instructional concepts in your classrooms. When children see the power in reading like a writer, they grow as writers. Katie Wood Ray and Stella Villalba share the power of quality children’s literature in teaching our young writers. Mentor texts provide the catalyst for quality student-responsive, explicit instruction.
For those who read Wondrous Words when it was first published, this updated work will remind you of the journey you’ve taken as a teacher of writing and give you new ways to think about the ideas that have been embedded in your work with young writers.
For those of you new to this work, it is sure to spark energy and excitement that brings joy and purpose to writing classrooms everywhere.
With the addition of new titles, new insights from children’s authors and stories from classrooms today, Katie Wood Ray and Stella Villalba show what is possible when teachers embrace an inquiry-based instructional stance that creates joyful, rigorous, and student-centered writing classrooms
Not only will you learn about books that serve as wonderful mentors for young writers, but you’ll learn practical ideas for how to introduce key instructional concepts in your classrooms. When children see the power in reading like a writer, they grow as writers. Katie Wood Ray and Stella Villalba share the power of quality children’s literature in teaching our young writers. Mentor texts provide the catalyst for quality student-responsive, explicit instruction.
For those who read Wondrous Words when it was first published, this updated work will remind you of the journey you’ve taken as a teacher of writing and give you new ways to think about the ideas that have been embedded in your work with young writers.
For those of you new to this work, it is sure to spark energy and excitement that brings joy and purpose to writing classrooms everywhere.
221 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 5, 2026
Wondrous Words completely reshaped how I think, teach, and live. It has changed my practice and outlook in ways I did not expect. It provides clear and practical strategies, honors children’s voices, inspires durable change, and so much more. It is a truly transformative, must read for educators or anyone that works with children.
August 15, 2025
It was a favorite 20 years ago and the new edition is nothing short of perfection.
October 1, 2025
I have been a huge Katie Wood Ray fan for 21 years. Love her even more now.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews