Books & Instructional Materials

for Developing Skilled Readers & Writers

Creating community and connection through literacy learning.

“Patty McGee’s book has distilled Writer’s Workshop into 7 key essentials that will always be your go-to guide for developing a community of eager, strong writers who continually grow through mini-lessons, studying mentor texts, teacher feedback, and writing partnerships. Filled with students’ work and practical advice, this book will inspire you to develop a thriving workshop of students who see themselves as writers!”

“If you want to learn how to foster independence during Writer’s Workshop, Patty’s 7 essentials will give you just what you are looking for. From creating conditions for writing by establishing a community of writers, to using partnerships to uplift student voices, this book gave me seven actions that I can use immediately to support all writers. The tools, examples, and checklists provided just-in-time support and encouragement that will positively impact my work with teachers and students—fostering greater independence in Writer’s Workshop.”

“Patty is truly an insightful and inspiring educator and mentor. Her ability to name engaging, effective, and motivating protocols, structures, and routines that keep writers at the heart of the classroom is truly a gift. This book of essentials is ideal for classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and even administrators. Patty’s insight and concrete essentials offer readers ways to design writing classrooms that allow developing writers to grow in their comfort with being vulnerable and identifying as a writer. The framework provided in this book will support classroom communities full of passionate, engaged, and skillful writers, which Patty says is the goal of all writing teachers."

Benchmark Education, 2021

Let’s face it…

Writer’s Workshop needs a reboot. It’s either bedecked and bedazzled by cutesy extras or done in a lockstep manner that hinders young writers’ natural processes.

Teachers are thirsty for guidance, and in this book, Patty McGee delivers a streamlined new vision. Each chapter brings us back to the heart of writing workshop while elevating practice with current writing research.

Topics include:

Feedback that Moves Writers Forward: How to Escape Correcting Mode to Transform Student Writers

Corwin, 2017

The number one challenge of student writers today isn’t word choice, logic, voice, or even grammar and spelling—it’s the belief that they can write.

In Feedback That Moves Writers Forward, Patty shares how to’s for teaching that changes the writing-as-obligation vibe for good. She demonstrates the way feedback can inspire students to reach new heights as writers. With Patty’s help, you learn to:

Resign from your position as Corrector-in-Chief and be amazed as students eagerly take over responsibility for refining their writing
Apply the research on growth mindset and goal setting, whether you use a writing program or a workshop model
Use tone, trust, and language to quicken students’ discovery of their writing identities and take risks when they are stuck
Use student work to deliver clear, just-in-time feedback during planning, drafting, revising, and editing
Use the online printable forms for delivering customized feedback with just the right wording
Balance grading and feedback
Help writers reflect so they are better able to apply what they learned about content, craft, and style to their future writing

One of the bravest things we can do as teachers is to admit when a long held practice isn’t working. Error-focused feedback is one such practice. So put down the red pen, pick up this book, and learn to say the right thing at the right time to develop fearless, original, and intentional writers—in any content area.

“Anyone interested in teaching writing should read this excellent book on providing feedback—the ideas presented by Patty McGee can not only change how students write, but just as importantly help them develop an I-can-do attitude when it comes to writing.”

"Patty McGee provides a much-needed process for creating a nurturing environment that develops students' positive writing identities and skills while building on their strengths. Through this powerful feedback lens, teachers gain a wider view of how to empower novice writers to take risks, set goals, make choices, and reflect on their progress and writing."

"When reading a professional text, my experience has trained me to expect one of three things: a book with a solid pedagogy, a book with practicality and on a lucky day--one with passion. I find it a rare gem when a text has all three and Patty McGee’s Feedback That Moves Writers Forward is one of these gems. With solid research and strategies galore, this book teaches us that feedback is individualized, specific, timely and--ultimately--what will motivate our students to find their unique voice as writers."

Benchmark Education

Grammar Study Micro Workshop: The Grammar Instruction You Have Been Wishing For (and so have your students)

In English and Spanish. So much more than dos and don’ts! In an entirely fresh take on grammar, this micro workshop combines exploration, reflection, and explicit instruction to develop skills in writing and communication.

Teachers are empowered as guides through an original recursive approach, able to strengthen students’ process, style, and craft.

Some endorsements of Patty's Work

What Educators Are Saying About Patty

★★★★★ 5/5

“Patty McGee does it again with her unmistakable wisdom and understanding around all things writing. 7 Essentials offers an accessible and manageable (re)introduction to writing workshop, all the while preserving the natural cycle of planning, instructional techniques, and student independence and community. A perfect text to reimagine or reinspire the teaching of writing. Some of my favorite elements include the visuals and tools throughout the book.”

★★★★★ 5/5

“My goodness! After reading this book, I want to MEET and just spend time following Patty McGee around. I wish I grew up getting writing feedback like this- I can only imagine the difference it would have had on my writing identity and confidence. This book reads like a conversation with a mentor. Patty provides information, insights, and ideas in a clear and accessible way. She follows up by including language, students work, and charts to make us, as teachers, see how this will look and play out in our classrooms.”

Ready for Streamlined Writing Instruction that Works?

Let’s talk about how I can help you create an instructional approach that you’ll love.

Books & Instructional Materials

for Developing Skilled Readers & Writers

Writer's Workshop Made Simple: 7 Essentials For Every Classroom And Every Writer