Independent Writing: One Teacher---Thirty-Two Needs, Topics, and Plans

by M. Colleen Cruz

There is a truth, and an irony, in thisthat writing is a supreme act of independence and yet most writing programs foster inherently dependent behaviors. But no more. Colleen Cruz knows that it's possible to teach and fully support a whole classroom full of independent writers. And you can do this with each young writer no matter the genre, the topic, or the stage of the writing process. With Independent Writing , she takes you inside her classroom and documents a full school year of writing instruction with plentiful student examples, teacher's notes, practical advice, and attention to writing standards. Cruz offers a variety of methods not only to get students writing independently, but to get them producing work that both reflects their own interests and displays their skills. Look inside Children can make or write anything they want, says Cruz, and they can do it independently if they are shown how. Find out how in this practical book. And make each of your students a lifelong writer.

Genres: Teaching, Education, Professional Development, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

In addition to being the author of The Unstoppable Writing Teacher, M. Colleen Cruz is the author of several other titles for teachers, including Independent Writing and A Quick Guide to Helping Struggling Writers, as well as the author of the young adult novel Border Crossing, a Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award Finalist. Colleen was a classroom teacher in general education and inclusive settings before joining the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project where she is Director of Innovation. Colleen presently supports schools, teachers and their students nationally and internationally as a literacy consultant.

Reviews

[Adrienne Michetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually a re-read for me as I first read this book in 2007 or 2008.

Reading it again with a different lense -- this time looking at it for ideas for how to help my students manage independent creative projects -- was really useful.

I would love for Cruz to write an updated edition. So much has changed in terms of resources for kids to be independent writers and creators. I can connect the dots myself, but this text is rather outdated in several areas. Still, lots to ponder and implement. I especially appreciate her examples of student work and her own organizational charts.

[Joyce Yattoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like the theme of building writers who can be taught and guided to be independent through the use of notebooks and mentor texts. I appreciated the ideas of teaching writers how to find their own mentor texts. However, my mind kept saying BUT...what about those reluctant writers who write two sentences and proudly announce “I’m done.” A different book.

[Michael S Bruner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable.