Using Picture Books to Teach Writing With the Traits: K-2: An Annotated Bibliography of More Than 150 Mentor Texts With Teacher-Tested Lessons [Paperback]

Ruth Culham (Author), Raymond Coutu (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0545025117 | ISBN-13: 978-0545025119

Good teachers have long recognized the power of using picture books as models of good writing. The short, focused, and tightly woven text mirrors the kind of writing they want their students to be doing. In this essential resource, the authors have organized by trait more than 150 annotations of new and classic books that will delight young studentsNand inspire powerful writing. Peppered throughout are 18 step-by-step, trait-focused lessons based on specific books. For use with Grades K-2.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

RUTH CULHAM, ED.D, a pioneering researcher of the 6+1 Trait MODEL, is president of Culham Writing Company, which offers first-class workshops designed to help beginning and experienced teachers implement the model in K-12 classrooms. Prior to founding her company Ruth was assessment program unit manager at Northwest Regional Education Laboratory and English Teacher of the Year in Montana, a highlight of her 19-year teaching career.RAYMOND COUTU has been developing and producing professional materials for teachers for mor than twenty years, first for Houghton Mifflin, then Heinemann, and currently Scholastic. He has also served as an editor on Instructor magazine, written books for children, and tutored children in reading and writing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Teaching Resources (Teaching (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545025117
• ISBN-13: 978-0545025119
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Education & Reference > Publishing & Books > Bibliographies & Indexes > Literature

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing But the Best!, May 13, 2008

By 

Libby Jachles (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Using Picture Books to Teach Writing With the Traits: K-2: An Annotated Bibliography of More Than 150 Mentor Texts With Teacher-Tested Lessons (Paperback)

It's here! This is a teaching resource you won't want to be without. New to the traits? This book provides you with a definition of each trait that's user-friendly for teachers and young children. What follows is an annotation of a number of picture books that can be used for the trait. As if that isn't enough, each of the six main traits has three focus lessons and follow-up activities to get you going. For those of us that love teaching with the traits and use them faithfully, this book is an energizer. You'll find new picture books to add to your collection, plus old favorites with new ideas on how to use them.

As a resource person in my school, I'm often asked to do a lesson at the last minute. No problem! I pull out this magic book, look through the lesson, grab a picture book, and I'm good to go. Classroom teachers love the user-friendliness just as much as I do.

Ruth and Ray are to be applauded. In this age of test scores, change, and everything else that's going on, Using Picture Books to Teach Writing With the Traits is a breath of fresh air. It simplifies our teaching lives while making it exciting and fun for teachers and children alike.

Thank you, Ruth and Ray, for yet another excellent teaching resource!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Trait-A-Palooza" Pleasing Combination, May 2, 2008

By 

Curriculum Director "Craig" (Topeka, KS USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Using Picture Books to Teach Writing With the Traits: K-2: An Annotated Bibliography of More Than 150 Mentor Texts With Teacher-Tested Lessons (Paperback)

Just when you think Ruth Culham cannot write a more practical, useful book for helping primary teachers with writing, she does it again! This time, with Raymond Coutu, Ruth shows the practicality of the 6-Traits for young writers by using K-2 picture books. As a curriculum director, I see this book as a starter guide for teaching the traits through the literature described in the book. Following a brief description of the traits, there is a bibliography of great children's literature from which to teach the traits. The focus lessons which follow give the teacher step-by-step ideas for sharing the traits with young writers. Culham and Coutu have concocted a pleasing combination ---a virtual "trait-a-palooza" by blending literature with 6-Trait models of good writing!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It just keeps getting better!, April 22, 2008

By 

Debra Stewart "Debra Stewart NBCT- Literacy" (Topeka, KS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Using Picture Books to Teach Writing With the Traits: K-2: An Annotated Bibliography of More Than 150 Mentor Texts With Teacher-Tested Lessons (Paperback)

The writing duo of Ruth Culham and Ray Coutu have a hit on their hands and teachers are the ones who will benefit from their newest publication.

Using Picture Books to Teach Writing with the Traits is a resource that every classroom should have available. Each trait has a list of "old-time" favorites along with new titles that will evoke interest in writing for all students. The lessons are well thought out and easy to follow. Because of the format, lessons could be done with any title that is suggested. It also helps the teacher remember those favorites that we have left on the shelf and need to revisit for the love of reading and writing. This is a must buy for every teacher who wants their students to see how reading & writing can be fun.