This page is designed for you.
On it are printable lessons to use with my books.
Two versions (K-3 & 4-8) of my writing tips are here along with PerformanceTasks in writing that go along with Kick the Cowboy and Rocky Mountain Night Before Christmas for grades 3, 4 & 5.  Each comes with a Student Checklist and Rubric and is designed to meet some of the new Washington Performance Expectations (PE's) in Writing for that particular grade level.  I also have writing invitations that go along with the stories.

I'm always looking for ways to improve this website, make it teacher friendly, fun, and something of value for the classroom.  If you create any extensions for my stories and don't mind sharing, please email them to me and I'll consider putting them on this page.

Writing is something each child can do if given the opportunity and time.  I'm a firm believer that for students to get excited about writing, you must get excited about it first.  Model writing and let them see you work through the process and share what you wrote.  At the bottom of this page I've listed some books that really help kids begin the thinking process of writing, generating ideas, and starting the journey as writers.  It's a great way to begin the school year.

Remember to start slow and easy.  Read lots of great literature.  I start with Picture books. They are short, yet hold wonderful stories.  The more students hear good quality literature, the easier it is for them to put their own thoughts down on paper.

Most importantly, have fun!  Enjoy the journey.  The fantastic thing about writing is you never know where the journey will end.

Thanks,
Joe Gribnau

If you have any questions, email me on the Contact
page.  I will try my best to get back to you. 

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Downloadables for Teachers: (click to open)

K-3 Writing Tips
4-8 Writing Tips

3rd Grade Writing Task (Performance Expectation)
3rd Grade Checklist
3rd Grade Rubric

4th Grade Writing Task (Performance Expectation)
4th Grade Checklist
4th Grade Rubric

5th Grade Writing Task (Performance Expectation)
5th Grade Checklist
5th Grade Rubric

Rocky Mtn Writing Task (Performance Expectation)
Rocky Mountain Checklist
Rocky Mountain Rubric

Kick the Cowboy Descriptive Paragraph / Watercolor


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Books:
A Crow Doesn't Need a Shadow:  A Guide to Writing Poetry from Nature by Lorraine and Diane Boardman 

Moon Journals:  Writing, Art, and Inquiry Through Focused Nature Study by Gina Rester-Zodrow and Joni Chancer

Keeping A Nature Journal:  Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You by Clare Walker Leslie and Charles E. Roth