Patterns of Wonder, Grades PreK-1

“Patterns of Wonder is pure gold. It is rooted in oral language, promotes play, and fosters a love of writing as it moves students through the phases of emergent writing. This book is going to transform instruction and be a resource that teachers reference daily.”

—Angela Buccheri, P-5 Humanities Coordinator Wallingford Public Schools

"I am so excited for Whitney and Jeff’s book to be in the hands of early childhood educators. In Patterns of Wonder they answer the question, 'What can developmentally-appropriate and engaging grammar, punctuation, and spelling instruction look like for our youngest writers?' Built on a strong research and theoretical foundation, they provide dozens of use-tomorrow lessons that will pique students’ curiosity about our written language and ignite wonder and excitement as they learn, play, and apply what they’ve learned to their own writing. Do away with the worksheets! Whitney and Jeff’s way of inviting children to learn these concepts will engage them so your teaching sticks."

— Jennifer Serravallo, author of The Reading Strategies Book and The Writing Strategies Book

“Whitney La Rocca and Jeff Anderson have created a revolutionary resource for inviting emergent writers to notice and WONDER about the conventions of language. Considering the intentionality of why and how behind an author’s choices, they inspire writers to compose powerful messages through oral language, illustrations, and words. The scaffolded lessons incorporate oral discussion, mentor texts, and play-based experiences to appropriately meet young students where they are in the phases of writing development, differentiating instruction, and moving writers forward one approximation at a time.”

—Megan Marquez, M.Ed., Writing Specialist

“Patterns of Wonder is the game changer teachers have been waiting for! Whitney and Jeff keep play at the center of emergent writers’ development with practical applications that are beautifully woven together. Every teacher should add this book to their toolkit.”

—Sarah Ramirez, M.Ed., Literacy Coach

“Imagine budding authors playfully celebrating the joy and possibility of written language as they share their stories. This will happen when you invite Whitney, Jeff, and their favorite picture books into your classroom. Learners at all development phases will confidently create their own written worlds while engaging in the Patterns of Wonder process. You’ll be amazed at what your young writers can do as they discover the patterns behind the wonder.”

—Maria Walther, Author of The Ramped-Up Read Aloud, The Literacy Workshop, and Shake Up Shared Reading

“Patterns of Wonder is a must-have for educators eager to engage and encourage our youngest writers. The invitational process provides the perfect backdrop to cultivate an appreciation for the beauty and power of language, as students ponder not only what authors do, but how they do it, in a nurturing, playful environment that celebrates both process and product. The buzz of excitement and flurry of hands in the air is a testament to a resource that is practically perfect in every way.”

—Patricia Gallery, K-5 ELA and Literacy Specialist, Smithtown Central School District, New York

“Once again, Whitney and Jeff have produced a valuable tool for teachers that has quality lessons and is easy to pick up and implement quickly!” —Evan Payne, Instructional Coach

“Patterns of Wonder speaks to my experienced kindergarten writing teacher heart! Whitney and Jeff’sPatterns of Wonder process and lessons have beautifully honored the emergent writer’s sense of wonder and their need to learn through approximation, inquiry, and play. Children are going to WANT to spend time every day putting their stories into pictures and words!”

—Carolyn Helmers, Kindergarten Teacher, Cincinnati, OH and Co-author of Intentional from the Start