Rain, Steam, and Speed

This book shows how adolescent students at all skill levels, including English learners, can be engaged in systematic writing practice, enabling them to communicate quickly, confidently, and thoughtfully on a variety of topics. In describing their innovative approach, the authors: Show how to introduce timed writing exercises to build fluency and thinking skillsProvide 150 powerful writing prompts on provocative topicsOffer strategies for enabling students to overcome writing blocksInclude assessment, grading, and motivational guidanceThe approach has been extensively tested by a master teacher, takes about one hour of instructional time per week, and can be used over an entire school year.