Setting the Stage for Creative Writing

Plot Scaffolds for Beginning and Intermediate Writers

Shannon O’Day

Standardized writing tests focus more on content than mechanics, but writing instruction typically focuses more on mechanics than content. With plot scaffolds, you can fix the balance and help foster creativity and originality in your students’ writing.

In this practical guide for elementary and middle school teachers, you’ll find

A research-based rationale for incorporating plot scaffolds in writing instruction

Hands-on lessons for beginning and intermediate writers

Strategies for experienced teachers, as well as for those who are unsure about teaching writing

Appendixes contain a wealth of supplementary material, including learning objectives, evaluation rubrics, and 12 reproducible plot scaffolds that you can use right away or adapt to meet your students’ needs. (Sample “Guess Who Moved in Next Door?” and “The Rent.”) A glossary highlights important terms used throughout the book.

An IRA Book Club selection, August 2006

© 2006 | 216 pp.
ISBN 13: 978-0-87207-595-5

Also of interest:

Reading and Writing Literary Genres

Using Literature to Enhance Writing Instruction

Learning to Write, Writing to Learn