Research-Based Writing Instruction for Teachers and Parents
Writing is thinking made visible. Strong writing instruction begins with mentor texts, explicit teaching of the 7 Traits of Writing, and meaningful practice. This comprehensive guide brings together research-based writing instruction, mentor text resources, and practical strategies for teachers and parents.
“Writing is thinking aloud on paper.” — Ruth Culham (2014)
“Reading is like breathing in, and writing is like breathing out.” — Allyn (2013)
Table of Contents
- Why Mentor Texts Matter in Writing Instruction
- Free Mentor Text Links for Writing Instruction
- Why All Writing Instruction Should Begin With Mentor Texts
- What is Writing? A Research-Based Definition
- The 7 Traits of Writing: How We Write
- Research-Based Writing Instruction
- The Writing Process
- Writing Modes (What We Write)
- Peer Editing and Teaching Tips
- Planning Strategies for Writing
- Sentence Combining and Mentor Texts
- Letter Formation Matters
- Optional Online Resources
- References
Why Mentor Texts Matter in Writing Instruction
I highly recommend The Writing Thief by Ruth Culham, which suggests mentor texts for every writing trait across narrative, informational (expository), and persuasive writing.
Mentor texts are any texts—print or digital—that writers study closely to notice what real authors do and apply those techniques to their own writing.
“Texts are the glue that binds reading and writing processes together.” (Culham, p. 30)
FREE Mentor Text Lists for Writing Instruction
👉 FREE LIST: Mentor Texts—Resources for Mini Lessons
Click the above link to access a PDF file adapted from Consult An Expert (titles compiled by Shirl Hawes and Debbie Rickards, 2001).
This mentor text list supports instruction in:
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Topic selection
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Leads and beginnings (questions, strong hooks)
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Endings (surprise, circular, poignant)
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Strong characters
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Voice and style
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Vivid word choice and descriptive language
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Strong verbs
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Poetry and unforgettable language
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Story structures (cumulative, chain, circular, chronological, home-journey-home, parallel plots)
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Setting and time (including non-linear time)
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Point of view
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Flashback and flash-forward
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Narrowing a topic
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Fiction combined with nonfiction
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Cause and effect
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Figurative language (onomatopoeia, alliteration, simile, metaphor, personification)
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Adaptations of familiar tales
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Memoirs, dialogue, and wordplay
👉 Another great FREE list: Mentor Texts for Writer’s Workshop
Why All Writing Instruction Should Begin with Mentor Texts
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Provides a solid foundation for lessons
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Gives students a reference point when they struggle
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Exposes students to authentic writing
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Shows writing is something you do, not something done to you
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Teaches traits common to excellent writing
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Allows teachers to work with favorite authors
ChoiceLiteracy.com (2006–2011) recommends using Cynthia Rylant’s The Relatives Came to teach the following writing elements:
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Leads—provide a little information about the setting and make the reader curious
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Endings—ease the reader into the conclusion naturally
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Memoir writing—focus on a small slice of life
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Internal thoughts—show what characters are thinking
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Transition words—help propel the reader through the story
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Visualizing—use word choice and the five senses to create mental pictures
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Sentence variety—vary sentence beginnings and lengths for rhythm and flow
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Voice—show, don’t tell; write as you talk
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Beginning, middle, end—maintain a clear, simple story structure
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Circular story structure—this text is similar to If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
What Is Writing? A Research-Based Definition
Writing is an active, complex process—not a talent reserved for a few. We write to communicate, learn, reflect, and demonstrate understanding.
Reading and writing are mutually reinforcing. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) place equal weight on reading and writing and advocate integrating writing into reading instruction and assessment.
Writing is a powerful ally to reading (Graves, Juel, & Graves, 2007).
The 7 Traits of Writing (How We Write)
The 7 Traits of Writing describe how writing works. Students should include evidence of each trait in their writing.
Before writing, help students create a graphic organizer. Encourage them to zoom in on a small moment, rather than writing from “I woke up” to “I went to bed.”
1. Ideas—The Heart of the Writing
Ideas represent the central message and include important details.
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Choose a focused, manageable topic
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Develop ideas with insight and evidence
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Use numerous specific details
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Include believable anecdotes
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Be memorable
Strong ideas paint pictures in the reader’s mind.
2. Organization—The Structure That Holds Writing Together
Organization is the internal structure and logic of writing.
Tips for Writing Strong Leads (Openings)
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State an intriguing fact
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Ask a question
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Make a bold statement or promise
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Give a definition
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Begin with three adjectives
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Use a quote
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Start with a flashback
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Use sound, action, or dialogue
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Describe the setting or character vividly
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State a problem
Use sequence and transition words to guide the reader. End with a sense of resolution and closure.
Tips for Ending a Story
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Circular ending
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Thought-provoking question
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Cliffhanger
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Hopes or wishes
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Advice
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Moral
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Quote (with attribution)
3. Voice—The Writer’s Personality on the Page
Voice reflects tone, purpose, and audience awareness.
Voice may be the most important trait (Culham, p. 46).
The Northern Nevada Writing Project recommends showing:
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Personality
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Emotions
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Style
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Point of view
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Experience
Voice separates great writing from proficient writing.
4. Word Choice—Painting Pictures with Words
Vocabulary should be chosen carefully and deliberately.
Use the “AABH-SOAP” Strategy (created by me, Mrs. Judy Araujo)
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A – Adjectives (specific, sensory)
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A – Adverbs (used thoughtfully)
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B – Better Words (strong verbs and nouns)
Figurative Language (H-SOAP)
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Hyperbole
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Simile
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Onomatopoeia
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Alliteration
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Personification
By choosing the best words, writers show—not tell.
5. Sentence Fluency—How Writing Sounds
Sentence fluency is the auditory trait.
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Vary sentence length and structure
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Combine sentences using transitions
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Use short sentences for impact
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Read writing aloud
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Break rules intentionally for voice and dialogue
6. Conventions—Making Writing Easy to Read
Conventions include:
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Spelling
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Grammar
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Capitalization
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Punctuation
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Paragraphing
Only break conventions for intentional stylistic reasons.
7. Presentation—Inviting the Reader In
Presentation refers to the visual appearance of writing.
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Neat handwriting or clean digital formatting
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Appropriate fonts
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White space and margins
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Clear text features
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No cross-outs or smudges
Research-Based Writing Instruction
Connections Between Reading and Writing
(Lane Clark, University of New England)
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Letter-sound relationships
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Structural understanding of text
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Awareness of language, purpose, and audience
Reading and writing should be taught together in every content area.
The Writing Process
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Prewriting
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Drafting
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Feedback
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Revision
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Editing
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Publishing
Students struggle with revision when they don’t know how to evaluate their writing (Graham et al.).
Writing Modes (What We Write)
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Narrative – to tell a story
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Informational / Explanatory – to explain or inform
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Argument / Opinion – to persuade using logic and evidence
Purpose drives writing.
Peer Editing and Teaching Tips
Peer editing should always stay positive:
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Compliment
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Suggest
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Correct
Teaching tips include:
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Teach skills in context
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Avoid worksheets
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Provide choice
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Use mentor texts
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Teach reading and writing together
Planning Strategies for Writing
Effective planning strategies include:
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Think-aloud modeling
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Inquiry and questioning
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Sketch journals
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Graphic organizers
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Quick writes
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Audio recording
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Note cards
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Outlines
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Technology tools
Planning is ongoing and flexible.
Sentence Combining and Mentor Texts
Sentence combining improves syntax and fluency. Mentor texts provide the models students need to internalize strong writing structures.
Writing well is a necessity, not an option (Graham & Perin, 2007).
Letter Formation Matters
Students who struggle with letter formation and spelling often struggle with written expression.
Automatic, legible handwriting supports:
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Planning
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Spelling
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Expression
👉 Check out my letter formation information!
Optional Online Resources
Learn about Writer’s Workshop.
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References
Culham, R. The Writing Thief.
Graham, S., MacArthur, C., & Fitzgerald, J. Best Practices in Writing Instruction.
This page was last edited on December 23, 2025.
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