“A 'must have' and 'must read' for K–2 teachers looking to understand how writing and reading work together to improve thinking and understanding across the curriculum. Philippakos and MacArthur provide clear lessons, examples, and explanations that connect the strategies and content between K–2 and later grades. The attention to language and dialogue is wonderful. This book will help you fill your classroom with talk and authentic conversations that strengthen students’ understanding of genres.”

—Amanda Lankford, EdS, Assistant Principal, Patterson Elementary School, Pierce County, Georgia


“This spectacular resource presents a comprehensive approach to teaching writing that skillfully fuses cognitive strategy instruction with dialogic interactions. The lessons and materials—such as sentence frames, evaluation rubrics, graphic organizers, and explicit explanations—provide teachers with the necessary tools to meet the writing needs of all K–2 students. This book will be beneficial for beginning as well as established teachers, enabling them to teach strong writing skills and develop dynamic writers.”

—Karen M. Picerno, MEd, second-grade teacher, Socrates Academy, Charlotte, North Carolina


“Getting off to a good start in learning to write is critical for school success. Philippakos and MacArthur provide primary-grade teachers with the tools to make this happen. Teachers will love this book!”

—Steve Graham, EdD, Warner Professor, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University


“Philippakos and MacArthur understand writing research, and they have a track record in working collaboratively with teachers. This book provides practical information in an accessible format for easy application to real classrooms. The 'strategy for teaching strategies' is a supportive framework that guides teachers through a teaching process leading to student growth. Most of all, teachers will treasure the lesson plans, which model how to offer genre-based strategy instruction with a self-regulation focus to support all writers in the primary-grade classroom. This book is a winner!”

—Carol Sue Englert, PhD, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education, College of Education, Michigan State University