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No More "I'm Done!": Fostering Independent Writers in the Primary Grades

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Disregarding the false notion that writing instruction in the primary grades needs to be mostly teacher directed, Jennifer Jacobson shows teachers how to develop a primary writer' s workshop that helps nurture independent, engaged writers. No More I' m Done! demonstrates how to create a more productive, engaging, and rewarding writer' s workshop. Jennifer guides teachers from creating a supportive classroom environment through establishing effective routines; shows teachers how to set up a writer' s workshop; and provides an entire year of developmentally appropriate mini-lessons that build confidence and, ultimately, independence.

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2010

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Jennifer Jacobson

41 books6 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Jen Pearson.
8 reviews
July 21, 2024
Easy to read and reasonable ideas to implement in the classroom
18 reviews
November 19, 2017
I love this book! It was recommended to me by a fellow teacher, and I am so happy that I discovered it! I have totally shaped my Writing Workshop around this book. It was an easy read and she shares exactly how she would organize her Writing Workshop in a step-by-step fashion. The book is filled with "a year of mini-lessons" and some great ideas. This book has really made planning for my writing block so much easier because she's already done all of the work for you.
1 review
November 5, 2017
Jennifer Jacobson does an excellent job of explaining the problematic writing instruction that is being done in primary grades. She discusses the positive effects of fostering independent writers rather than dependent, as well as specific examples on how to do so. Great read for any educator, specifically those who teach primary grades!
Profile Image for Kim Thurston.
38 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2017
Great resource for creating a classroom of writers. I plan to implement a good deal of her strategies next year!
Profile Image for Alysia Woods.
21 reviews
July 9, 2018
This pairs GREAT with Daily 5 and CAFE. The author provides ways to implement writing workshop with independence and has sample lesson plans that are easy to use.
6 reviews
October 6, 2019
The most inspiring literacy/teaching book I’ve ever read.
Profile Image for Michelle.
119 reviews
July 2, 2022
So amazing! I can’t wait to use these ideas with my students.
Profile Image for Rebecca Reid.
414 reviews39 followers
October 23, 2012
No More “I’m Done!” by Jennifer Jacobson (Stenhouse Publishers, 2010) is an inspiring how-to manual for early primary grade teachers. Subtitled “Fostering Independent Writing in the Primary Grades,” Jacobson’s book describes a system of nurturing creative writing that lets children take control of the process. After she describes her system, she provides a year’s worth of mini-lessons for encouraging development of ideas in various segments of writing (including voice, organization, word choice, fluency, details) all using well known and beloved children’s picture books as examples. Although I am not a teacher in a classroom setting, her ideas have given me the confidence to institute some similar casual instruction during our “school time.” It is informative and inspiring, helping one think outside the traditional box of writing prompts.

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Profile Image for Sheila Barnes.
76 reviews
June 5, 2013
If you teach writing you might want to step out of your comfort zone and try Jennifer Jacobson's approach. I've taught writing for years but I really learned a lot and the best thing was it made writing fun for my students...on early out days they would ask,"We still get to do writing don't we?" This speaks volumes! I also discovered Andy Shane via this book and I ordered a few copies and my whole class girls and boys all loved Andy Shane so this book helped in writing and introduced us all to new lovable literary character!
Profile Image for Jill.
873 reviews
July 7, 2012
This was a GREAT book and I can definitely see myself using it this year! And hopefully forever afterwards.

This book explained in detail how to start a writing workshop in a K-2 classroom. It went from very basic lessons and then expanded into the whole year. I sticky-noted the crap out of this book and I am SO PUMPED to do this with my students. I want to find more writing workshop ideas so I totally know what I'm doing in my life. :)
Profile Image for Rebecca.
223 reviews
February 3, 2016
As a homeschool mom, I find it difficult to locate books that truly help me be a better teacher. Most are so focused on classroom management, I can't find any nuggets to apply at home. No my so with this book! Jacobson beautifully explains her writer's workshop philosophy and includes plenty of mini lessons to implement. I feel much more prepared for and capable of teaching writing now that I've read this book.
Profile Image for April.
18 reviews
July 8, 2011
I loved this book. I am so excited to implement some of her suggestions. I love the Quiet 10 idea and having the kids sign in to conference. Her suggestions are completely do able for primary kids. If you are struggling with how to help your students write, I suggest reading this book. It's a quick read and you won't want to put it down.
Profile Image for Krystin.
18 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2017
This was a great book! The author described in detail each part of the ideal writing workshop and how to foster independence through words and actions. I really liked the Year of Mini Lessons suggestions at the back. As a new teacher, it was helpful to see the entire sequence and the fun activities that she used.
Very much aligned with 6+1 Traits.
Profile Image for Renee.
60 reviews
July 19, 2011
Great resource for primary teachers looking to improve their writing program. I'm going to use the ideas here for my writing lessons during my Daily 5 mini-lessons. I'm so excited to find something that works so well with D5!
1 review
December 24, 2012
I absolutely love this book! This has been an organized confidence booster for me to concentrate my writing approach for my 2nd graders. It's a real-world application for primary writing written in a user-friendly format by an esteemed author:)
Profile Image for Sboysen.
337 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2017
Fabulous resource and I can't wait to implement it in my classroom. I read an eversion and am anxious to get a paper version so it's more real-time user friendly. Highly recommend to primary grade teachers.
Profile Image for Shelly.
444 reviews
July 27, 2010
Loved this book! great suggestions! I actually read it on the Stenhouse website but am going to buy my own copy because it was so valuable.
Profile Image for Sarah.
209 reviews4 followers
December 15, 2010
Great teaching resource. Had the pleasure of having her visit our school and see her teach model lessons.
Profile Image for Jennifer E.  Adams.
195 reviews
February 12, 2012
I am working on getting my first graders to write more using this book's ideas. I love it! I wish I'd started in the beginning of the school year this way. Great book!
Profile Image for Stacey.
627 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2012
I really liked these ideas, and the details and plans she gave for mini-lessons. I will definitely use these next year.
Profile Image for Ms..
56 reviews
May 2, 2013
This book is full of practical ideas I have been using since September. I will reread this summer.
Profile Image for Nan.
724 reviews35 followers
August 8, 2012
Very helpful for re-thinking how writing can be taught with primary learners.
Profile Image for Melody.
36 reviews23 followers
February 18, 2013
Great book if you are considering the Writer's Workshop model for your classroom.
Profile Image for Shawna Briseno.
462 reviews14 followers
July 26, 2013
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who teaches K-2 writing. Such practical and developmentally appropriate advice!
Profile Image for Julia.
28 reviews22 followers
December 18, 2014
A book to read, re-read and then read again. Full of ideas for creating a writers workshop that actually works!
Profile Image for Sally.
52 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2015
Definitely should be on the shelf of every primary teacher and read and reread by those who use writers' workshop or want to create a writers' workshop in their classroom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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