Intended for teachers of kindergarten through grade 8 who want to improve their students' writing skills, this book is based on existing research findings to serve as a practical guide to procedures, methods, and skills essential for the development of proficiency in written expression of all kinds. The book includes practical, research-based findings on all aspects of writing instruction along with specific techniques to help children succeed in writing. The book's cornerstone is the belief that one learns to write by writing, and that experience in writing must be enjoyable. The book's 13 chapters are as follows: (1) Overview; (2) Organizing the Classroom for Writing; (3) Beginnings in Prewriting and Oral Language; (4) Stimulating Writing; (5) Developing Vocabulary; (6) Writing in Content Areas; (7) Dealing with Grammar: Flexibility of Expression; (8) Conferencing during Writing; (9) Developing Skill in Spelling; (10) Developing Skill in Other Mechanics; (11) Editing: Revising and Proofreading; (12) Publishing; and (13) Evaluating. A postscript contains a guide to evaluating the writing process. An appendix of spelling lists and a glossary are attached. (SR)