Patricia M. Cunningham -- James W. Cunningham

What Really Matters in Writing: Research-based Practices across the Curriculum, 1e

What Really Matters in Writing follows a practical, user-friendly arc from getting students off to a successful start in writing on the first day of school to students sharing and publishing their writing by the end of the school year. With a focus on gradually teaching students "mini-lessons" to build skills and increase confidence, this book combines process writing, systematic instruction, and writing across the curriculum to help teachers and schools build a successful and comprehensive writing program.

In their well-known and much welcomed thought-provoking style, Pat and Jim Cunningham--along with Dick Allington in the other books in the series--bring you the best research-based instructional advice available. Each of the brief, inexpensive books in the What Really Matters series features what Pat, Dick, and their co-authors know about one aspect of teaching and learning to read and write independently with understanding. To learn more about the series see the inside front cover.

"One of the best things about this book is the way the information is organized. I love how the book takes you from what you do the first day of school and builds from there. Teachers will love how each chapter continues to explain more and more lessons to try with their students as they grow as writers. I know this would be one [book] that I would mention to new teachers in my inservices who are trying to set upan elementary writing workshop but are not sure how to begin." --Dena Harrison, Mendive Middle School, Sparks, NV

"The author[s have] an excellent grasp of what classroom teachers need, the chapters on editing and revising were great, [and] I can't wait to use them in my classroom next school year!" --Jodi Grubb, Pittsfield Elementary School, Pittsfield, NH

Patricia M. Cunningham is the author of Beyond Retelling, Classrooms That Work, Schools That Work, Phonics They Use, and the Making Words series. She is a professor of education at Wake Forest University with more than 30 years of experience in various elementary grades and in remedial reading. Pat promotes literacy for all children through her Four Blocks^(R) workshops and staff development sessions with educators.

James W. Cunningham has more than 100 professional publications in reading and writing education, such as college textbooks, book chapters including major research reviews, and original research published in major research journals. He has been a professor of education at UNC-Chapel Hill and an elementary classroom teacher.

Written by the authors you know and trust, each of the books in the What Really Matters series offers a succinct presentation of what matters most when teaching different aspects of the reading process. With a thought-provoking, rich presentation, Pat Cunningham and Dick Allington explore complex issues teachers of reading face in today's classrooms and bring each of the topics to life. These brief and inexpensive books are written in a lively narrative with clear organization, exceptional pedagogy, and special features. Their friendly design and compact size make the books accessible, convenient, and easy-to read.