Giving Districts What They Need and Want
When It Comes to Research-Based Writing Instruction, Say Goodbye to Lucy Calkins, and Welcome Writing A-Z
Writing A-Z aligns with the latest research, including The Writing Rope framework, to provide structured, effective K-5 writing instruction that improves student performance. With Writing A-Z, there's no more hesitation. Just confident writing.
The Writing Rope:
Connecting Literacy and Writing Skills for Long-Term Success{orange}
Click the toggles below The Writing Rope to learn how the resources in Writing A-Z align to help teachers foster skilled writing for all K-5 students.
Sedita, J. (2019). The Writing Rope. Rowley, MA, Keys to Literacy. Modified with permission from Joan Sedita. All rights reserved.
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Critical Thinking
An important part of Writing A-Z, students develop their critical thinking as they conceptualize and analyze information, tap into background knowledge, and generate ideas to plan, draft, and revise writing. Students go through the writing process four times in the opinion, informative, and narrative writing units.
Generating Ideas, Gathering Information
Writing Process: Planning, Drafting, Evaluating, Revising, Editing
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Syntax
Students gain syntactical awareness as they put together words and phrases to construct clear sentences in Writing A-Z. Instruction in grammar, sentence structure/elaboration, and punctuation are included in writing process lessons so students practice in the context of their writing. Extra practice is also provided in the Grammar Packs.
Grammar and Syntactic Awareness
- Writing A–Z Grammar Packs include instructional grammar videos (parts of speech, sentences, and punctuation) and practice activities that students complete independently.
- Grade K Lesson Plan: Sensory Details for Grade K. Be sure to watch the video under the I DO section.
Sentence Elaboration
Punctuation
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Text Structures
In Writing A-Z, students learn about different genres and that each has its own structure, elements, and patterns of organization. The three genre units—opinion, informative, and narrative—each begin with a genre study followed by four opportunities for students to apply the elements during their writing process.
Narrative, Informational, and Opinion Text Structures & Genre-Specific, Customizable Graphic Organizers
Linking and Transition Words
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Writing Craft
Students learn that writing is a craft in Writing A-Z with techniques writers use to meet the needs of their audience through word choice, use of literary devices, figurative language, perspective, point of view, and writing voice or style. For grades 3-5, each module includes two revision lessons to provide extra instruction with strategies that strengthen students’ writing.
Word Choice
- Grade 1 Revise Lesson Plan: Word Choice Grade 1. Be sure to watch the instructional video under the I DO section.
Awareness of Task, Audience, and Purpose
Literary Devices
Transcription{black}
Transcription
Spelling, handwriting, and keyboarding skills are included in transcription skills. Mastery of these lower-order cognitive tasks with Writing A-Z allows students to focus on other strands of the rope.
Empower Students to Start Writing with Confidence
Many students face the frustration of staring at a blank page, thinking, "I don’t know what to say...I don’t know how to get started." Writing A-Z removes those barriers by providing step-by-step guidance and research-based strategies that transform hesitant writers into confident writers.
With tools like The Writing Rope framework and engaging activities, students will always know how to begin, what to say, and how to structure their thoughts. Writing A-Z empowers students at every skill level to unlock their potential and find their voice.
"I don't know what to say...I don't know how to get started."
––Students without Writing A-Z
Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) is a proven evidence based method to enhance student written communication. As an advocate for effective teaching methodologies and student empowerment, SRSD offers a transformative approach to fostering proficient writing abilities among students. By integrating explicit instruction, modeling with self-statements, guided practice, and collaborative learning opportunities, SRSD empowers students to become self-regulated writers who can learn to independently plan, draft, revise, and edit their written communication. Writing A-Z provides the SRSD framework that equips students with the essential skills and strategies necessary for proficient writing across various genres and contexts. I highly recommend Writing A-Z as a resource for improving student writing proficiency and fostering a culture of lifelong learning and literacy within your educational community.
Barbara Friedlander
Educational Consultant, Author of Powerful Writing for All
Why Do Teachers Love Learning A-Z?
We're so glad you asked! Learning A-Z provides standards-aligned, engaging resources that simplify differentiated instruction, save valuable planning time, and empower teachers to stay up-to-date with effective strategies through our embedded professional development.
Easy{orange}
Explicit K–5 lesson plans include step-by-step instructions with embedded teacher tips to effectively teach genre and the writing process together.
Interactive{orange}
Engaging interactivities and digital practice opportunities help students learn while reinforcing writing and grammar skills.
Accessible{orange}
Embedded, point-of-use professional development helps teachers confidently deliver research-based writing and grammar instruction.
Award-Winning
Recognized as One of the Best Instructional Solutions
Digital Promise Certificate
Research-Based Design for Instructional Learning Products: Product Certification
2023 Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence Winner
Best Tool for Back to School, Primary Education
Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence Winner 2023
Best of 2023, Primary Education
Contact Your Learning A-Z Representative Today!
Meet with our curriculum team to identify resource opportunities and create a plan for a free demo and pilot.