Need help with STAAR written composition scores? Looking for an alternative to the five-paragraph essay?

Welcome to the online home of Gretchen Bernabei,
author and writing teacher, ready to share materials.

Why do teachers share so freely with other teachers? Barry Lane says,
"We're all soldiers in the same battle," and Gretchen has taken that to heart.

Gretchen Bernabei

Here at the Trail of Breadcrumbs, you will find some ammunition to share. You'll find student samples of high-scoring papers from recent state test administrations, ready to use with your students. You'll find papers devolved by teachers during the summer, ready for sharing with your students.
You'll find some of the most-asked-for tools that teachers love to share.

STAAR Writing and Grammar 2-day Summer Workshops with Gretchen Bernabei

8:30 am - 2:30 pm each day

Register Online Now!

June 10-11, 2013 Workshop (Austin, TX)
June 13-14, 2013 Workshop (San Antonio, TX)
June 17-18, 2013 Workshop (Dallas, TX)
June 27-28, 2013 Workshop (Houston, TX)

Writing Strategies

  • generating topics and STAAR practice prompts
  • choosing a text structure for any situation
  • writing a kernel essay
  • detailing kernel essays using rhetorical devices and text icons

Grammar, Gretchen-Style

  • nailing fragments and run-ons, using the sentence wringer
  • wiping out usage problems ( like its/it's and there/their/they're) once and for all
  • showing your students how to use their parts-of-speech knowledge
  • keeping track of your grammar-teaching-in-context

What people are saying:

"Wow! My students' writing has drastically improved in just a matter of days! These strategies were EXACTLY what my students needed to tie everything together. EVERY student has been successful with EVERY strategy they have tried. They are thinking on a higher level, writing at a higher level, and in turn, succeeding at a higher level." -Kayla Shook, fourth grade teacher, San Marcos
"My STAAR scores are 90%! I couldn't have done it without you." -Shelley Fisette, seventh grade teacher, Hemphill "Our students are already learning how to use these strategies. I am amazed at how much their writing has improved in just TWO weeks! It is truly incredible." -Shera Rasmussen, English II teacher, Wichita Falls

Who is it for?

Anyone involved in preparing students (grades 4-11) for STAAR writing tests Participants will receive copies of Gretchen's new book: Fun-Size Academic Writing, with 100 lessons and student models. Gretchen Bernabei is the winner of NCTE's James Moffett Award.
gretchen.bernabei@gmail.com Copyright GRETCHEN S BERNABEI 2013