Developed to provide teachers with a framework for writing instruction, this handbook presents the objectives for writing in the elementary schools from kindergarten through grade 8. After a brief overview of the handbook, information covered includes: (1) a description of writing types (creative expression, narration, exposition, persuasion, and description); (2) a discussion of instructional design, including the characteristics of an assignment, number and length requirements, and evaluation standards; (3) the writing process, including detailed steps for each of the writing stages; (4) suggestions for content area writing activities; (5) suggested family writing projects; and (6) writing in kindergarten through grade 8. The section for each level includes level objectives, samples of students' compositions, suggested topics, an assessment component, and management procedures for recording and reporting information. The appendix provides the following information: a sample informal letter; most frequent errors charts (teacher log and student log); proofreaders' marks (for primary, intermediate, and upper levels); manuscript handwriting model; cursive handwriting model; publishers of student writing; and writing contests for students. The bibliography of current publications provides additional information and support for structuring a classroom writing program. (MM)