1st Edition
Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12 Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing
Traditional grammar instruction often focuses too much on what’s right or what’s wrong, hiding the true power of conventions—the creation of meaning, purpose, and effect. Instead of hammering high school students with the mistakes they should avoid, Jeff Anderson, Travis Leech, and Holly Durham suggest exploring grammar through the celebration of author’s purpose and craft. In Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12: Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing, they invite you to create an environment in which writers thrive while studying and appreciating the beauty, effects, and meaning of grammar. Inside this book, teachers will find a comprehensive explanation of the brain-based Patterns of Power invitational process, as well as:
- 35 standards-aligned lesson sets built around practical, engaging, inquiry-based methods that take deeper dives into grammar and craft than any worksheet, quiz, or editing exercise ever could A variety of high-interest model texts from authentic and diverse sources, including excerpts from classic and current novels, memoirs, plays, graphic novels, poems, and media Real-life classroom examples and tips with suggestions for scaffolding new learning and ideas for how to use the lessons in AP courses Templates for extended application, easy to locate printables, and ready-to-go visuals Additional Models for Further Study for extension opportunities in every lesson set An entire chapter devoted to helping high school writers master citations in research
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Looking Closely at the World Through Grammar
How to Use This Book
Part 1: Getting Started with the Patterns of Power Process
1. Into PLANNING: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Engaging Grammar Lessons
2. Into the CLASSROOM: How to Teach Grammar with the Patterns of Power Process
3. Into APPLICATION: Guiding Writers to USE the Patterns of Power
Part 2: Into the Lessons with the Patterns of Power Process
4. The Purpose and Craft of PUNCTUATION
5. The Purpose and Craft of CLAUSES
6. The Purpose and Craft of PHRASES
7. The Purpose and Craft of PARALLEL STRUCTURE
8. The Purpose of CITATIONS
9. The Purpose and Craft of CREATIVE PATTERNS
Conclusion: Investigating Meaning and Effect
Appendix A: The Patterns of Power, Grades 9–12 Soundtrack
Appendix B: Patterns of Power Instruction in Remote Learning Environments
Bibliography of Professional Resources
Bibliography of Literature
Credits
Index
Biography
For over thirty-three years, Jeff Anderson has inspired writers and teachers of grades K–8 with the power and joy of writing and grammar. He has written ten books for Stenhouse Publishers. He lives near downtown San Antonio with Terry and their rescue pup.
Travis Leech is a middle school instructional coach in Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, TX. He has fourteen years of experience in education, including teaching middle school English Language Arts and as a gifted and talented specialist.
Holly Durham is currently a Professional Learning Coordinator in Houston, TX. She has twenty-eight years of experience in education, including teaching middle and high school English, instructional coaching, and director-level roles in the Humanities and District Strategic Planning. She has presented literacy practices and technology integration at district, regional, state, and national levels.
I can’t wait to put Patterns of Power, 9–12 in the hands of every high school English teacher in my district! This practical approach to teaching writing through the beauty and power of mentor texts supports our instructional philosophy by inspiring teachers to finally retire ineffective, prescriptive grammar instruction. Teaching with the Invitations to Notice, Compare and Contrast, Imitate, Celebrate, Apply, and Edit will help students understand the why of grammar and punctuation while motivating them to explore possibilities rather than avoid errors.”
—Tracy Winstead, District Coordinator, High School English Curriculum and Instruction
"If high school teachers are looking for a way to teach grammar and conventions that is meaningful and transfers to student writing, they should look no further than Patterns of Power: Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing, Grades 9–12. By starting with a mentor sentence, students are invited to take an inquiry stance as they think through the writer’s moves and the impact on the reader. Patterns of Power, 9–12 helps students gain the confidence and agency they need to try new grammar and convention moves in their own writing."
—Erica Bissel, Coordinator of Reading and Language Arts
“Jeff's books have been pivotal to the success of our writing program since Everyday Editing. His invitational approach to noticing author's purpose and craft is non-threatening and engaging to students. We are excited to dive into this new book with Travis Leech and Holly Durham and continue inspiring our students to ‘sharpen their ideas.’”
—Dr. Susan Diaz, Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction
“Up early one morning, I thought I’d skim this book while sipping that first cup of coffee. The skimming stopped almost immediately as I began reading slowly to catch every idea, to understand each teaching move, to jot my own notes in my journal. My coffee grew cold and was forgotten. I was watching master teachers Jeff, Travis, and Holly make things such as colons and commas, apostrophes and appositives, phrases and fragments become more than things to be learned; instead, they were turning conventions of language into conversations I wanted to have with kids. Filled with the well-designed lessons that show you how to move kids from noticing to naming to using, this is a book that won’t sit on your bookshelf. It will stay beside you as it guides you through lessons that actually help kids think about how they write.”
—Kylene Beers, coauthor of Notice and Note: Strategies for Close Reading and Forged by Reading: The Power of a Literate Life
“The Patterns of Power series epitomizes our philosophical approach to grammar: that it should arise from authentic literature and be presented when it would make sense to students based on their writing. Students need not be numbed by grammar instruction that follows a rigid textbook. Rather, a flexible approach of presenting examples which help readers to discover patterns, understand the conventions of language, appreciate great writing, and become enthusiastic writers is the most effective and enjoyable one.”
—Michael R. Bowman, Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction
“Jeff Anderson has done it again! We know our secondary students need practice understanding and applying the conventions of English. Patterns of Power, 9–12 provides lessons that engage high school students in learning what is often missing in a world of quick text messages and limited face to face interactions. Students will use a variety of engaging texts to hook them into learning, practicing, and becoming proficient readers and writers of the English language.”
—Heather Anderson, Educator, Author, and Consultant
“I found just about every line in Jeff, Travis, and Holly’s Patterns of Power both immediately applicable and incredibly useful in my ninth and tenth-grade ELA classes. But hands down, my favorite aspect is how the authors center student inquiry in their approach to teaching grammar. Students are driven toward ‘discovery of grammatical concepts and deep consideration of their purpose.’ Being encouraged to consider—and even debate—the why of grammar as they are learning the how has changed the game for my students. In truth, this book has shored up a huge gap in my pedagogy, and I am very grateful.”
—Matthew Kay, author of Not Light, but Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom
“These authors love language . . . and the voice of the text sings, celebrates, and rings with truth. This book is both wise and a pleasure to read. Patterns of Power, Grades 9–12 will give you new ways to think and plan for regular practice with conventions.”
—Penny Kittle, Plymouth State University Writing Teacher
