Reviewed by Carol Patterson
Second Grade Teacher
Union County, NC

I have never met Mark Overmeyer and I feel quite certain that
he has not visited my classroom. Yet, as I read his When
Writing Workshop Isn't Working, I thought he was speaking
directly to me.

I was sure somehow he knew the problems I had this year with
Ms. Lucy's Writer's Workshop. Lucy Calkins has a terrific
program, and I do give her credit for that, but really, no
program is perfect. So what could I do when my writing workshop
had kinks?

Well, Mark Overmeyer stepped right in and answered my questions!
He saw that little guy in MY classroom staring out into space
while the other students were at least trying to write something.
When I stooped down by his desk to see if I could help, he
just looked at me with a puzzled expression. He didn't know
where to begin or what to write.

In his second chapter, Mark Overmeyer told me (because I AM sure
he wrote this book just for me!) ways to help my little fellow—simple
ideas like making lists, having interviews with a partner,
and using "anchor writing experiences." I use the word "simple"
because Overmeyer's "answers to ten tough questions" are user-friendly.

This little book has become a treasure in the few weeks I have
owned it. It's my new reference book for any problem that
rears its ugly head during writer's workshop. Inside these
golden pages, you'll find writing solutions for ELL students,
managing conferences, writing rubrics, preparing students
for standardized tests, and lots more. It's the next best
thing to having Mark Overmeyer visit our classroom —
and he is always welcome!

Thank you, Mark, for making writer's workshop easy for the children
and the teacher as well.

Sincerely,
Carol Patterson, who used to have "ten questions"