Writing for a Change: Boosting Literacy and Learning Through Social Action

by National Writing Project, Richard Sterling (Foreword), Kristina Berdan (Editor)

Writing for a Change shows teachers how to engage students in “real world” problem-solving activities that can help them to acquire voice, authority, and passion for both reading and writing practice. Written in collaboration with the Center for Social Action in England, the book describes the innovative Social Action process for encouraging students to collaborate on problems of their own choosing―to analyze options, develop action plans, discover solutions, and finally to reflect on their work. Featuring stories by teachers who have successfully used the method, the book shows that first graders as well as high-school students can enjoy this exciting and educational process. Practical guidance for applying the process to any curricular area is provided along with an extensive list of classroom activities.

Genres: Teaching

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2006

Reviews

[Lisa Gusewelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Activities to Develop Civic Citizenship

I enjoyed the vignettes and activities within the book. I did hope for more explicit direction on types of writing involved or could be involved and also example timeline graphics for multiple projects. Yes, there is a story about a short term project (prom), and a mid-range project (historical property), and a long-term (community youth center), but having additional projects and timelines can provide a greater amount of information of possibilities and commitment to consider.

[Lori Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book for teachers to read because it puts the importance of everyday, real-life writing situations to light. Our students need and deserve authentic writing situations like the ones present in this book everyday. Situations in this book happen everyday, so why not motivate students to write for these reasons. To write for social change? To write for real purposes and real audiences? To write because it matters to them? I strongly recommend this book and urge all of you interested in your students becoming not only better writers but better people to read this book.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can clearly hear the similarities between Social Action and National Writing Project. There are also some connections to Human Systems Dynamics. This book addresses something I feel strongly: students are capable of much more than we often give them credit for. They have their own questions, their own ideas. I'm thinking about trying some of the activities at the end of the book with my students.

[Zahreen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited about this book, because I am always looking for ways to promote social/community activism with my students, but it was a lot of essays reflecting on how it's worked, rather than instructions on what to do in my classroom. So disappointed, but got a few ideas from it, which is why I gave it 2 stars.

[Nancy Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for teachers interested in bringing social action into the classroom! Provides a good understanding of the framework as well as solid examples of exercises to move each step of the process along.

[Sarah]

Writing for a Change: Boosting Literacy and Learning Through Social Action (Jossey-Bass Teacher) by National Writing Project (2006)

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the ideas in the book were really cool, though it got a little repetitive. I'm really interested in using writing to create social change. What an awesome idea.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book geared toward thinking about using writing to bring about social change. Lots of ideas in the last section of practical ways to bring this into the classroom.

[Jen Hiltgen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great lesson plans but overall not a great read.