The second edition of "Really Writing!" provides 40 real-life writing activities designed to capture the attention of young authors (grades 2 through 6) who are just learning the composing process. This book is also a resource for teaching advanced writers who are ready to experiment with a variety of writing and speaking genres. Each of the activities is based on state and national standards and assists teachers in providing for the wide range of writing abilities that exist in most classrooms. At the end of each lesson are practice Writing Prompts that are ready to use in preparing students for success. Following About the Author, Acknowledgments, and About This Resource, the book contains six sections. Section: (I) Tips for Using "Really Writing!" Activities, contains: (1)Motivators; (2) Group Brainstorming; (2) Group Composing; (3) Drafting; (4) Responding to Students' Writing; (5) Publishing; (6) Independent Writing Prompts; and (7) Monitoring Long-Term Growth. Section II, Descriptive Compositions, presents: (8)Descriptive Name Tags; (9) Word Search Puzzles; (10) Coupon Gifts; (11) Memories; (12) Imaginative Fortunes; (13) Check Writing; (14) Tongue Twisters; (15) Mystery Bag Riddles; and (16) Time Capsules. Section III, Poems and Songs provides: (17) Shape Poems; (18) Simple Chants; (19) Folk Songs; (20) Rhythm Poems; (21) Cinquain Poems; and (22) Comparison Poems. Section IV, Narrative Compositions, includes: (23) How Far Will It Stretch? (24) Humorous Captions; (25) Comic Strips; (26) Mad Lib Adventure; (27) Play Scripts; and (28) "Very Bad Day" Stories. Section V, "How to" and Directional Compositions continues with: (29) Advice for Younger Children; (30) Art Project Directions; (31) Science Reports; (32) Travel Directions; (33) Game Directions; Cheer-Up Checklist; and (34) Medical Guide. Section VI, Persuasive Compositions concludes with: (35) For Sale Ads; (36) Thank-You Notes; (37) Unbelievable Excuses; (38) Apologies; (39) Compliments; (40) Letters of Complaint; (41) Letters to Our Troops; and (42) Thoughts to the President.