Review I just love this book. The big ideas of it, the tiny details and helpful, practical advice tucked inside. It is a much needed antidote to some of the program-driven, choice-barren writing classrooms that have begun to dominate the scene. The world needs this pro-writer, pro-teacher, pro-joy manifesto now more than ever.--Jennifer Serravallo, author of The Writing Strategies Book and The Reading Strategies BookThe most important words I've read in a book about teaching writing in a long time: Instead of giving reluctant writers more structure, let's give them more freedom. Every child should be lucky enough to have a teacher who has read Ralph Fletcher's Joy Write. It's a throw-back book in the best possible way, reminding us of the foundational principles upon which writing workshops were built namely, the importance of student choice. With Ralph's sage guidance, teachers will be inspired to create writing green belts in their classrooms, filled with writing in the wild of the very best kind: self-initiated projects that help students craft clear, strong identities as writers.--Katie Wood Ray, author of Study DrivenIn Joy Write, Ralph Fletcher will show you how to give your students what they need right now, in addition to providing them with the tools they need to be successful writers in the years to come. If your writing workshop feels weighed down by the demands of the CCSS and test preparation, Joy Write will help you regain the sparkle and sizzle of your writing workshop so your students will feel energized and joyful about writing again.--Stacey Shubitz, co-founder of Two Writing Teachers; author of Craft MovesFor years now, Ralph Fletcher has been one of the finest writers and wisest advocates for authenticity in teaching writing. In his new book, Joy Write, his words once again brilliantly and compellingly guide us towards teaching writing that s playful, personal, and meaning-based. If you want to nurture writers that don t just fill in the blanks but instead cherish the process, Joy Write is an essential read. --Georgia Heard, author of Heart Maps and Awakening the Heart Read more About the Author Ralph Fletcher has been a mentor to teachers and young writers everywhere. He has helped hundreds of thousands of teachers understand the importance of letting go and trusting their writers. Ralph's professional books are part of this tradition. His newest book, Focus Lessons, helps teachers use the natural links between writing and photography to enhance their instruction. Another recent title, Joy Write, explores the value of giving students time and autonomy for the playful, low-stakes writing that leads to surprising, high-level growth. Ralph frequently works with young writers in schools, and speaks at education conferences in the U.S. and abroad, helping teachers find wiser ways of teaching writing. Ralph is the beloved author of many bestselling teacher professional books and resources including: - Writing Workshop: The Essential Guide - What a Writer Needs, Second Edition - Mentor Author, Mentor Texts - Craft Lessons - Breathing In, Breathing Out - Teaching the Qualities of Writing - Lessons for the Writer's Notebook Students know Ralph as the award-winning author of more than 20 books for children and young adults, including Fig Pudding, Twilight Comes Twice, The Writer's Notebook, Marshfield Dreams: When I Was a Kid, and most recently Marshfield Memories: More Stories About Growing Up. Ralph Fletcher online » Listen to a recent Heinemann podcast where Ralph talks about Joy Write (17:31). » Read Ralph's latest thoughts at his blog: Living the Writing Life. » Listen to an interview with Ralph on Education Talk Radio (38:29). » Learn more about Ralph at his website RalphFletcher.com and follow him on Twitter @FletcherRalph. Read more
