Interactive Writing: How Language & Literacy Come Together (K-2)Authors: Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell
Format: Paperback
Published: Heinemann, 2000

Interactive writing involves children as apprentices, working alongside a more expert writer, their teacher. Young students can learn how to compose a wide range of texts including ones that would be too difficult for them to read or write without adult support. In a clear, step-by-step format, the authors show how teachers can use interactive writing to teach a range of foundational literacy skills including, letter learning, phonological and orthographic awareness, learning the nature of words, building a writing vocabulary, learning concepts about print, and organizing and composing narrative and expository text. Important features of the book include a rich array of examples of children's writing, down-to-earth practical advice, suggestions for using children's literature and art in the writing program, numerous photos of children's work, and suggestions for professional development. Additionally, there are thorough descriptions of how interactive writing can be used as a tool for inquiry across the curriculum -in content areas as well as in literature.