Customer Reviews

Mastering the Mechanics: Grades 4-5: Ready-to-Use Lessons for Modeled, Guided and Independent Editing

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I used the 2/3 Mastering the Mechanics program with my third grade class, then followed with the 4/5 instruction when I looped to grade four. I HIGHLY recommend this book! The lessons are practical and friendly to both students and teachers. The program has realistic time and age-appropriate expectations. There are many student work samples at your fingertips in this text, to be used as examples or points of discussion. Teachers aren't expected to spend hours prepping materials or hunting for certain examples of writing. The book contains everything that is needed to implement the program. Skills are introduced over the course of three days, using scaffolding and a gradual release of responsibility. Best practices are supported with this format. Most lessons can be completed in ten to thirty minutes in this three-day-a-week resource. Many lessons also come with lists of mentor texts to support the skill in student writing. I've watched a gradual improvement occur in my students' convention scores because of this program. It's not a quick fix, but students are taking ownership of their skills and it's transferring into their writing. This is a must for all upper-elementary school teachers. DEFINITELY worth the money! If you can only buy one new book this year, choose this one.