This warm and practical guidebook by celebrated author and educator Ralph Fletcher demystifies the teaching of writing and shows how to engage every student. This warm and practical guidebook by celebrated author and educator Ralph Fletcher demystifies the teaching of writing and shows how to engage every student. Celebrated author and educator Ralph Fletcher provides a practical and illuminating guide to writing workshop for both new and veteran teachers that details the best ways to get started, the components that are vital, and what it takes to sustain a successful workshop across the school year. Fletcher, a wise and witty writing companion, shows us why encouraging choice, purpose, and play helps students find their voices and produce strong, effective writing. The Writing Teacher's Companionfeatures indispensable information about how to create, launch, and sustain an effective writer's workshop. Learn what choice, voice, writing purpose, and play have to do with encouraging abundant highly effective student writing. Learn how your writing attitude (and your own experiences as a writer) work to shape your students' developing writing aptitude.