Is this right? Is this how it’s supposed to look?” Adolescent writers often ask these kinds questions because traditional grammar instruction focuses too much on what’s right or what’s wrong. The fear of making a mistake hides the true power of conventions – the creation of meaning, purpose, and effect, the ultimate reading-writing connection. Join Jeff Anderson, with Travis Leech and Melinda Clark, as they explore grammar in a new way in Patterns of Power: Inviting Adolescent Writers into the Conventions of Language, Grades 6 & 8. Let’s lift middle school writers by focusing on possibility and producing effective writing that will transfer to the classroom and beyond.
Resources
Study Guide
Patterns of Power Research Base Overview
Pop 6-8 CCSS Alignment
Pop 6-8 TEKS Alignment
Pop 6-8 NYS Alignment
WEBINAR: Patterns of Power in the Middle School Classroom with Jeff Anderson & Travis Leech
Author Bio
For the past 25 years, Jeff Anderson has worked with writers and teachers of grades, K-12, inspiring them about the power and joy of the writing process. Jeff is known for his enthusiasm in making grammar, editing, and writing a positive experience for teachers and students. He has written five books for Stenhouse Publishers: Mechanically Inclined, Everyday Editing, 10 Things Every Writer Needs to Know, Revision Decisions and his latest professional book Patterns of Power. He also has two middle grade novels, Zack Delacruz: Me and My Big Mouth and Zack Delacruz: Just My Luck. A frequent presenter at national and state conferences, Jeff is a full-time staff developer and writer.
Travis Leech, coauthor of Patterns of Power: Inviting Adolescent Writers into the Conventions of Language, is currently a middle school instructional coach in Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, TX. He has thirteen years of experience in education, including teaching middle school English Language Arts and as a gifted and talented specialist. He has presented about engaging literacy practices and technology integration at the district, regional, and state levels.
Melinda Clark, coauthor of Patterns of Power for Adolescent Writers, is currently the Academic Program Coordinator at John Jay High School in San Antonio, Texas. She has 31 years experience in education, including teaching middle school and high school English Language Arts, instructional coaching, independent consulting, and presenting at the district, regional, and state levels.