In this straight-forward series, an easy-to-use modeling format is employed to provide a comprehensive sequence of writing lessons (called mini-lessons). Lessons cover the writing process, different forms of writing, and the traits of effective writing. Each lesson provides a writing sample (model) with analysis (a look at the various elements). Questions to generate content follow as well as two writing assignments based both on the model and the generated content.
The Student Book is a partially consumable handbook that provides the writing models and the writing practice along with an included "handbook" (a reference with specific topics). The mini-lessons are short, focused lessons on these topics.
The Teacher Guide includes reduced copies of the student book. Teacher helps "around the edges" include topic title, lesson objective, guided practice tasks, questions, easy-to-follow instructions, conference and evaluation forms, tips for providing corrective feedback and a special section that further explores the lesson's featured writing trait.
Note: there are occasional shadow boxes that seem to indicate digital resources. I could find no explanation for what those might be or any way to access them. Teacher guides – 100 pgs (or so), pb; student books 95-160 pgs, pb. ~ Janice
It is kid friendly.
My 2nd grade students are needing more practice with the different types of paragraphs, and all of these types are found in this resource.
I chose this particular writing handbook this year because I have used and I am continuing to use other HMH books for my children's curriculum.
I have used this series in the public school classroom. I liked the all-in-one approach for myself as the teacher and students.