[mvalencia]

Starting at a new school and they use Step Up to Writing. I am use to the Six Traits. After looking it up on the internet, it sounds BORING! To begin with a "topic sentence" rather than something catchy. Their sample was equally boring. I would rather have a student write creatively with expression than a Topic Sentence, then some facts, then a conclusion. Are you kidding me? Does anyone use this and like it?

[coley2118]

is a book of strategies. I have it at my school too. I just pick and choose what I like and want to use from it and leave the rest. It is not something that you can follow step by step. The book you will get actually cover grades K-3. Hope that helps a little or at least eases your mind.

[barb7]

You'll love the initial definitions, strategies, and overheads that SUTW gives you. Just LOOk at its table of contents, it broad and deep. Start with it for initial instruction and then move into the Six Traits for the application part of writing strategies. Do you know about www.##########.com ? Check it out.

And if you don't already know about the Jane Schaffer Paragraph. I didn't discover it until I'd already retired and worked for a tutoring company. Now it's my staple in my own tutoring service from 3rd grade through university and perfecto for ESL's. Just google it. Wonderful! Barbara at www.credentialedteacherservices.com

[TheTrunch]

I think this is a great program for the kids that are left of the middle of the bell curve. Can't beat Direct Instruction.