Week 11

Best Practices in Writing Instruction

By: Steve Graham
Chapter 16
The Writing Thief
Ruth Culham
Epilogue

This week's reading response included Chapter 16 of Best Practices in Writing Instruction
by Ralph Ferretti and William Lewis, and the Epilogue of The Writing Thief by Ruth Culham.
Chapter 16 of Best Practices discusses the importance of literacy instruction for English learners
and highlights how formative assessments of writing and reading skills are critical for effective
instruction. Identifying ELs who are struggling with language and literacy development is crucial
to tailor instruction to their needs. Moreover, creating a diverse and inclusive classroom
environment can help EL students feel more comfortable and included, leading to improved
learning outcomes for all students. As an aspiring elementary writing teacher, I find this
information particularly useful in creating effective lessons that cater to all students and identify
those who require additional support.
In my classroom, I strive to be the best teacher I can be and build strong relationships
with my students. I want to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students
feel comfortable and trust me to provide them with the best education possible, accommodating
their unique learning abilities. Administering spelling assessments at the beginning of the year
will help me gauge the students' abilities and identify those who need more support in specific
areas. Additionally, understanding their reading levels will enable me to tailor writing instruction
accordingly.
The Epilogue of The Writing Thief emphasizes the importance of using texts instead of
tests in teaching. This approach can help teachers and students be successful, as it focuses on
using diverse texts and books to teach various subjects. In my future classroom, I intend to
follow this motto and ensure that my classroom library has a diverse range of books that help
students learn and understand different perspectives. My aim is to provide my students with the
resources and tools they need to become successful and bright individuals in the future.
In conclusion, both Chapter 16 of Best Practices in Writing Instruction and the Epilogue
of The Writing Thief provide useful insights into creating an effective and inclusive classroom
environment. As a future educator, I aim to incorporate these practices and principles into my
teaching style to help students learn and grow, both academically and personally.

Graham, Steve, et al. Best Practices in Writing Instruction. Guilford Press, 2019.
Culham, Ruth. The Writing Thief: Using Mentor Texts to Teach the Craft of Writing. Stenhouse
Publishers, 2014.