Write Like This: Teaching Real-World Writing Through Modeling and Mentor Texts

Introduction to 'Write Like This: Teaching Real-World Writing Through Modeling and Mentor Texts'

Welcome to an exploration of 'Write Like This: Teaching Real-World Writing Through Modeling and Mentor Texts,' a book authored by Kelly Gallagher that serves as an insightful guide for educators striving to improve their students’ writing capabilities by leveraging real-world, engaging strategies.

Detailed Summary of the Book

In 'Write Like This', Kelly Gallagher addresses one of the most prevalent challenges in education: engaging students in writing tasks that are not only meaningful but also relevant to real-world scenarios. Throughout the book, Gallagher lays a foundation for teaching writing by demonstrating how students can be led to become competent writers through a process of modeling and the careful study of mentor texts.

Rather than dwelling on the typical prescriptive approaches, Gallagher emphasizes learning by example. His methodology is rooted in the idea that students learn best when they can follow models that demonstrate the myriad ways in which writing permeates both professional and everyday life. Using an abundance of real-world examples, from newspaper columns to professional essays and beyond, Gallagher showcases how educators can guide students to write across different formats while enriching their understanding of writing as a dynamic and transformative skill.

Gallagher shares numerous classroom-tested strategies and frameworks. He delineates clear writing purposes such as expressing and reflecting, informing and explaining, evaluating and judging, and convincing and persuading. For each, he provides rich mentor texts that inspire students to see themselves as writers and empower teachers with concrete tools to lift student writing to new heights.

Key Takeaways

• Modeling as a Core Strategy: Rather than instructing students solely through direct teaching of grammatical rules, Gallagher advocates for demonstrating writing by example, thus allowing students to learn through observation and replication.
• Integration of Mentor Texts: Students should engage with mentor texts as a resource for understanding diverse writing styles and purposes, helping them to evolve their own unique voice.
• Real-World Relevance: Writing instruction should be relevant to real-world applications, enabling students to view writing as a tool for effective communication in various contexts.
• Encourages Creative Freedom: Gallagher promotes an environment where students feel free to experiment with ideas and forms, fostering authentic self-expression and creativity.

Famous Quotes from the Book

"Good writing is not a gift. It is forged by desire, practice, and assistance from others."

"Writing is about discovering what you didn’t know you knew."

Why This Book Matters

The significance of 'Write Like This' lies in its practical approach, in which theoretical concepts of writing are seamlessly translated into actionable strategies for effective instruction. It matters because it shifts the focus from the mechanistic teaching of writing skills to encouraging a more holistic understanding of writing as a powerful means of communication.

Gallagher's work is pivotal for educators who are keen to cultivate genuine interest in writing, rather than teaching it as a mere academic requirement. It equips teachers with the necessary tools to inspire students, thereby transforming reluctant writers into individuals who are eager to express themselves meaningfully.

'Write Like This' is not just a resource; it is a companion for every teacher committed to fostering a classroom environment where writing is viewed as an essential skill for success in the 21st century. Its impact extends beyond the classroom, as it prepares students to navigate a world where communication through writing remains a cornerstone of personal and professional development.