Patterns of Power, Grades 9-12

I can’t wait to put Patterns of Power, 9–12 in the hands of every high school English teacher in my district! This practical approach to teaching writing through the beauty and power of mentor texts supports our instructional philosophy by inspiring teachers to finally retire ineffective, prescriptive grammar instruction. Teaching with the Invitations to Notice, Compare and Contrast, Imitate, Celebrate, Apply, and Edit will help students understand the why of grammar and punctuation while motivating them to explore possibilities rather than avoid errors.”

—Tracy Winstead, District Coordinator, High School English Curriculum and Instruction

"If high school teachers are looking for a way to teach grammar and conventions that is meaningful and transfers to student writing, they should look no further than Patterns of Power: Teaching Grammar Through Reading and Writing, Grades 9–12. By starting with a mentor sentence, students are invited to take an inquiry stance as they think through the writer’s moves and the impact on the reader. Patterns of Power, 9–12 helps students gain the confidence and agency they need to try new grammar and convention moves in their own writing."

—Erica Bissel, Coordinator of Reading and Language Arts

“Jeff's books have been pivotal to the success of our writing program since Everyday Editing. His invitational approach to noticing author's purpose and craft is non-threatening and engaging to students. We are excited to dive into this new book with Travis Leech and Holly Durham and continue inspiring our students to ‘sharpen their ideas.’”

—Dr. Susan Diaz, Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction

“Up early one morning, I thought I’d skim this book while sipping that first cup of coffee. The skimming stopped almost immediately as I began reading slowly to catch every idea, to understand each teaching move, to jot my own notes in my journal. My coffee grew cold and was forgotten. I was watching master teachers Jeff, Travis, and Holly make things such as colons and commas, apostrophes and appositives, phrases and fragments become more than things to be learned; instead, they were turning conventions of language into conversations I wanted to have with kids. Filled with the well-designed lessons that show you how to move kids from noticing to naming to using, this is a book that won’t sit on your bookshelf. It will stay beside you as it guides you through lessons that actually help kids think about how they write.”

—Kylene Beers, coauthor of Notice and Note: Strategies for Close Reading and Forged by Reading: The Power of a Literate Life

“The Patterns of Power series epitomizes our philosophical approach to grammar: that it should arise from authentic literature and be presented when it would make sense to students based on their writing. Students need not be numbed by grammar instruction that follows a rigid textbook. Rather, a flexible approach of presenting examples which help readers to discover patterns, understand the conventions of language, appreciate great writing, and become enthusiastic writers is the most effective and enjoyable one.”

—Michael R. Bowman, Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction

“Jeff Anderson has done it again! We know our secondary students need practice understanding and applying the conventions of English. Patterns of Power, 9–12 provides lessons that engage high school students in learning what is often missing in a world of quick text messages and limited face to face interactions. Students will use a variety of engaging texts to hook them into learning, practicing, and becoming proficient readers and writers of the English language.”

—Heather Anderson, Educator, Author, and Consultant

“I found just about every line in Jeff, Travis, and Holly’s Patterns of Power both immediately applicable and incredibly useful in my ninth and tenth-grade ELA classes. But hands down, my favorite aspect is how the authors center student inquiry in their approach to teaching grammar. Students are driven toward ‘discovery of grammatical concepts and deep consideration of their purpose.’ Being encouraged to consider—and even debate—the why of grammar as they are learning the how has changed the game for my students. In truth, this book has shored up a huge gap in my pedagogy, and I am very grateful.”

—Matthew Kay, author of Not Light, but Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom

“These authors love language . . . and the voice of the text sings, celebrates, and rings with truth. This book is both wise and a pleasure to read. Patterns of Power, Grades 9–12 will give you new ways to think and plan for regular practice with conventions.”

—Penny Kittle, Plymouth State University Writing Teacher