Grounded in Research
With input from Academic Consultant Dr. Gary Troia, Bridge to Writing is grounded in the latest research on how children learn to read and write, including the work of Joan Sedita, Anita Archer, Natalie Wexler, and more.
Why should we teach grammar and writing explicitly?
Research has found that explicit teaching of grammar does improve student writing, especially when teachers employ a playful approach that involves lots of talk and clear connections to the writing students are doing.
Many strands are woven into skilled writing with the end goal of children creating meaningful messages: critical thinking, syntax, text structure, writing craft, and transcription.
THE WRITING ROPE
The Core Attributes of Effective Writing Instruction
Gary Troia “Effective Writing in the 21st Century”
Meaningful writing
experiences and authentic
writing tasks.
Predictable routines that
allow children to become
comfortable with the
writing process.
Lessons to help children
master craft elements and
process strategies.
Procedural supports such as
conferences, planning
forms/charts, and checklists
for revision/editing.
Making connections to
content-area connections.
Resident writers who share
their expertise, challenges,
and successes so children
develop a broader sense of
writing as a craft.
Now Piloting in Schools Nationwide
Bridge to Writing is currently being piloted in K-2 classrooms across the country with plans for a comprehensive research study next school year.
“I like how Bridge to Writing immediately has students working with conventions.” shared Bridge to Writing pilot participant Kim Abdill, “The writing prompts are precise, so even my most emergent writers know what to write and can feel successful.”
Aligned to Standards
Bridge to Writing not only covers state standards and CCSS Writing and Language Standards but goes above and beyond to equip students with essential writing skills for future grades.
A Strong Start
Bridge to Writing builds from the foundations of the former Framing Your Thoughts and Paragraph Writing curricula from Language Resources.
Heggerty has reimagined this source material, providing grade-level specificity, explicit teacher language and direction, and updating to reflect the latest research on how children learn to read and write.
Like Framing Your Thoughts, Bridge to Writing can be used alongside any existing ELA curricula to create a more comprehensive instruction block.
SOURCES
- Dean, D. (2022, June 22). Grammar for Writing. NCTE
- Hochman, J., & Wexler, N. (2017). The Writing Revolution: A Guide To Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Sedita, J. (2023). The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects. Brookes.
- Troia, G. A. (2014, January 15). Evidence-based practices for writing instruction. University of Florida, Collaboration for Effective Educator, Development, Accountability, and Reform Center Website. http://ceedar.education.ufl.edu/tools/innovation-configuration/
- Troia, G. A. (2009). Self-Regulation and the Writing Process: Enhancing the Performance of Students With Language and Learning Difficulties.