Back and Forth: Using an Editor’s Mindset to Improve Student Writing

by Lee Heffernan

Back and Forth is for every teacher who dreads the next story about the winning goal or another retelling of a student's favorite book. It shows how to push writers to do great work by giving yourself a title change during writing time-from teacher to classroom editor . From writing teacher to editor Editors are the crucial, unseen collaborators of published authors. Lee Heffernan describes how by adopting that role she helps student-authors dig in and produce dramatically better writing. Relying on both student-centered pedagogy and the experiences of numerous professional writers and editors, Lee gives you a highly practical blueprint for modeling some of your classroom writing time after the operation of a small publishing house. This model helps kids see that you are more than their teacher and motivates them to create finely tuned finished products. Three keys to success Lee shows how as classroom editor a commitment to three key principles can make all the Your students' won't only improve their writing but also produce books that your school community will value. Increased motivation for revision Do you wish that students would take your revision suggestions more seriously? Or that everyone in your classroom would internalize your high expectations for revision? Then take Lee Heffernan's classroom-proven suggestions. Try Back and Forth , and you might never again have to hear "I like it the way it is."

128 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2017

About the author

Lee Heffernan wants “my students to try something new, express their opinions, and feel respected every day.” The classroom press model in Back and Forth supports that goal by giving her “Thirdlanders” authentic experiences in writing and publishing. Lee has honed this and many other classroom ideas while working in elementary schools for more than 30 years. She has presented aspects of her practice at NCTE and is the author of Critical Literacy and Writer’s Workshop.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight! It's a book about how to position yourself as a teacher in writer's workshop for maximum engagement, revision, success, and pride in writing. Along the way, there are relatable tips for forging an excellent classroom community and a sense of authenticity. I love this book. If you're a literacy educator at any level, you will too.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heffernan's editor's mindset is brilliant. I found myself taking notes and realizing immediate changes I will make in my classroom. Revision is difficult for students, and this book gives solid ideas to improve students' writing. Even though I teach 7th grade and Heffernen teaches 3rd grade, these ideas can be used in any classroom to transform the writing process. I can't wait to use these ideas in my classroom.