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Writing From the Heart
Developed for grades one and two, Writing from the Heart is a two-part writing program that uses a simplified version of the writing process to introduce young students to the world of writing. The idea behind the program is to tap students' innate energy and enthusiasm for communication and direct it toward writing. Before students can master spelling and mechanics, they need to see writing as a personal expression of their thoughts and observations, not just as a school task. They need to develop pleasure and fluency in putting their thoughts on paper.
Writing from the Heart teaches students that they are authors and have something important to say, that writing is a process, and that writing is fun. It sets the stage for further exploration of the craft of writing with the more formal instruction provided in Writing Wings.
Writing Wings
Used in grades three through six, Writing Wings builds upon the skills taught in Writing from the Heart. Using a more formal writing-process model, Writing Wings incorporates the planning, drafting, revising, responding, editing, and publishing steps of the writing process. The program consists of two major instructional components-writing-process concept lessons and language arts instruction.
Direct instruction in language mechanics and composition is provided by the teacher during language arts instruction. Students then work in their teams to master the skills that they are taught, and successful teams are recognized. Once a new skill is mastered, it is added to an editing checklist so students can incorporate the new skill into their writing. Students work through the editing checklist with their partners to check spelling, mechanics, and grammar. Once editing is complete, a final draft is created, shared, published, and celebrated.
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