Real-World Writers: A Handbook for Teaching Writing with 7-11 Year Olds by Ross Young

Real-World Writers: A Handbook for Teaching Writing with 7-11 Year Olds by Ross Young

Real-World Writers shows teachers how they can teach their pupils to write well and with pleasure, purpose and power. It demonstrates how classrooms can be transformed into genuine communities of writers where talking, reading, writing and sharing give children confidence, motivation and a sense of the relevance writing has to their own lives and learning.

Based on their practical experience and what research says is the most effective practice, the authors share detailed guidance on how teachers can provide writing study lessons drawing on what real writers do and how to teach grammar effectively. They also share a variety of authentic class writing projects with accompanying teacher notes that will encourage children to use genres appropriately, creatively and flexibly.

The authors’ simple yet comprehensive approach includes how to teach the processes and craft knowledge involved in creating successful and meaningful texts. This book is invaluable for all primary practitioners who wish to teach writing for real.

"There is much to commend in this readable, nicely illustrated guide.. This book is a step in the right direction towards empowering teachers to give children autonomy as writers. It has the virtue of setting out a clear rubric for teaching, based upon largely sound principles."

- Francis Gilbert, Teaching English (NATE)

Ross Young was a primary school teacher for 10 years and holds an MA in applied linguistics in education. As a passionate writer-teacher, he now works around the UK and abroad helping teachers and schools develop extraordinary young writers.

Felicity Ferguson was a primary school teacher for 40 years, working as an EAL specialist, SENCO, deputy and head teacher. A writer herself, she has MA degrees in applied linguistics and children’s literature and has been involved in a number of literacy-based projects, particularly around children’s reading development.