Think Write Read was inspired by...
The Writing Revolution
The Writing Revolution is an approach to writing instruction devised by Judith C Hochman. Originally known as The Hochman Method, The Writing Revolution is as much a method of teaching content as it is a method of teaching writing. There's no separate writing block and no separate writing curriculum. Instead, teachers of all subjects adapt the TWR strategies and activities to their current curriculum and weave them into their content instruction. The method takes the mystery out of learning to write well. It breaks the writing process down into manageable chunks and then has students practice the chunks they need, repeatedly, while also learning content.
Structured Word Inquiry
A term coined by Dr. Peter Bowers as a result of his PhD studies on how students can learn to be literate through scholarly investigation into the English orthographic system. This work not only teaches students to understand the orthography of English, it also teaches them the skills of scientific investigation: developing a hypothesis, searching for evidence that either proves or falsifies their ideas, and critically evaluating the connections between words and how they are used. Structured Word Inquiry is about learning how the system works as a cohesive whole.
Writing Matters
Written and shared by the late William Van Cleave, an incredible mentor to teachers around the globe (I am fortunate to count myself among them) and an inspiring guide, Writing Matters is a research-based approach to teaching the building blocks of writing. It is a sensible, practical how-to guide and a valuable source of information about how the English language works. His comprehensive guide to grammar and sentence structure should be on every teacher's reference shelf.
The Montessori Method
Whilst originally conceived as a vehicle for social change by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori Method has become world-renowned for its extraordinary results in teaching very young children to be literate and numerate to an astonishing degree. As a Montessori teacher for over two decades, and a Montessori teacher trainer in Australia and USA, I am inspired by this child-led, interest-based, humanistic approach that facilitates the realisation of the child's potential for learning.
Self-Regulated Strategy Development
A cognitive strategy instructional approach developed by Karen Harris and Steve Graham. Students are taught task-specific strategies along with more general strategies for regulating their thinking processes, self-management strategies and the learning process. This research has been developed for over 40 years and is solid. Sentence writing skills are not enough on their own. Students need a way to plan, outline, write and evaluate their writing independently of their teacher. Self-Regulated Strategy Development gives them the strategies to do this.
KAT Text Structure
Based on the work of Dr. Kausalai (Kay) Wijekumar. Her KAT Text Structure research explores the impact of Knowledge Acquisition and Transformation on reading comprehension levels. My new book, MeaningMaps: Linking Thinking, Writing, and Reading for Integrated Literacy Success, uses some of this research to show how structural awareness at the text level can be used to support student learning and academic performance.