Master the Art of Writing: Our Honest Review of ‘Between the Commas REVIEWS, February 5, 2024 Welcome, dear readers, to our latest product review blog post. Today, we are excited to dive into the world of sentence instruction and explore a tool that promises to build confident writers and empower writing teachers. Yes, we are talking about “Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers)”. As avid writers ourselves, we understand the importance of mastering the intricacies of a well-crafted sentence. It is the foundation on which our thoughts and ideas are built, allowing us to communicate effectively and engage our readers. That’s why we were thrilled to get our hands on this gem of a book. Published by Heinemann, the leading name in educational resources, “Between the Commas” caught our attention with its promise to instill confidence in both young writers and experienced teachers alike. In this creative and neutral review, we will share our first-hand experience with this product, unpacking its contents and revealing its true potential. With a paperback edition spanning 184 pages, this book is conveniently sized and easy to handle. Its ISBN-10 is 032510820X, and ISBN-13 is 978-0325108209. Targeted towards readers between the ages of 11 and 17, its grade level recommendation is 6 to 12. Weighing in at 1.8 pounds, the dimensions of 7.4 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches make it a practical addition to any learning environment. Now, let us embark on this journey to discover how “Between the Commas” can truly transform the way we approach sentence instruction and nurture the talents of budding writers. Join us as we explore the pages, unravel the strategies, and share our genuine impressions. Are you ready? Let’s get started! Table of Contents Overview of Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers) Exploring the Unique Features and Benefits of Between the Commas Delving into the Unparalleled Insights and Recommendations of Between the Commas Enhancing Instructional Practices with Between the Commas’ Comprehensive Approach Customer Reviews Analysis Pros & Cons Q&A Reveal the Extraordinary Overview of Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers) In “Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers),” we have found a comprehensive resource for enhancing writing skills in students aged 11 to 17. With a paperback of 184 pages, this instructional guide is packed with essential lessons that will benefit both educators and students alike. The book’s organization and structure make it easy to navigate and find specific lessons. Each chapter is dedicated to a different aspect of sentence instruction, allowing teachers to focus on specific areas of improvement. From sentence structure and types to punctuation and grammar rules, this resource covers it all. One notable feature is the inclusion of engaging and interactive activities that help students practice the skills they have learned. These exercises encourage active participation and ensure that students grasp the concepts thoroughly. The thoughtfully designed layout and clear explanations make it easy for both students and teachers to follow along. With its dimensions of 7.4 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches and weight of 1.8 pounds, this user-friendly resource can be easily carried between classrooms or used as a reference at home. Its target audience of grades 6 to 12 guarantees that the content is suitable for a wide range of students. If you are looking to improve your students’ writing skills or enhance your own teaching strategies, “Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers)” is a valuable tool to consider. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to develop confident writers and grab your copy today on Amazon. Exploring the Unique Features and Benefits of Between the Commas In “Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers)”, we are introduced to a remarkable resource that offers unique features and benefits for both students and educators. With its engaging approach to sentence instruction, this book provides valuable tools to enhance writing skills and promote confidence in writing. One of the standout features of “Between the Commas” is its comprehensive coverage of sentence instruction. With 184 pages of expertly crafted content, this book delves into the fundamentals of sentence structure, providing clear explanations and examples that make learning accessible and enjoyable. From simple sentences to complex constructions, this resource equips readers with a solid foundation in writing. In addition to its informative content, the physical attributes of “Between the Commas” add to its appeal. Printed in English and published by Heinemann, the book is available in a convenient paperback format, weighing only 1.8 pounds. Its dimensions of 7.4 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches make it easy to carry, whether in a school bag or on a bookshelf. For students between the ages of 11 and 17, as well as educators working with grade levels 6 to 12, “Between the Commas” offers a wealth of knowledge and support. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource – grab your copy today on Amazon by clicking here. Delving into the Unparalleled Insights and Recommendations of Between the Commas Between the Commas is an invaluable resource when it comes to sentence instruction and building confident writers, both for students and writing teachers. With its comprehensive content and innovative approach, this book offers unparalleled insights and recommendations that will revolutionize the way you approach writing instruction. One of the standout features of Between the Commas is its user-friendly layout. The book contains 184 pages of pure gold, packed with valuable information presented in a clear and concise manner. The paperback edition is lightweight, weighing just 1.8 pounds, making it easy to carry around and reference whenever needed. The dimensions of 7.4 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches are perfect for slipping into any bag or backpack, ensuring that you always have this valuable resource at your fingertips. This book is not just for writing teachers, but also for students aged 11 to 17 years. It is suitable for students in grades 6 to 12, making it an excellent tool for instructors and children alike. The comprehensiveness of the content ensures that students of all levels can benefit from the insights and recommendations provided. Considering all these remarkable features, we highly recommend Between the Commas to anyone seeking to enhance their sentence instruction and foster confident writers. Don’t miss out on this transformative resource – click here to grab your copy on Amazon and embark on a journey to unlock the full potential of your writing skills! Enhancing Instructional Practices with Between the Commas’ Comprehensive Approach When it comes to enhancing instructional practices, Between the Commas’ Comprehensive Approach is a game-changer. With its well-thought-out strategies and innovative techniques, this product is a must-have for both writing teachers and confident writers. One of the standout features of this approach is its comprehensive nature. It covers all aspects of sentence instruction, from grammar rules to sentence structure, ensuring that students gain a solid foundation in writing. We particularly appreciated how the book breaks down complex concepts into simpler terms, making it easily digestible for students of all ages. The inclusion of real-life examples and engaging activities further reinforces learning and encourages students to apply their knowledge in a practical way. Not only is the content of the book exceptional, but the format also deserves accolades. The paperback edition is visually appealing, with its clean layout and easy-to-read font. The dimensions are just right, allowing for comfortable reading without straining our eyes. The inclusion of ISBN numbers is a thoughtful addition, making it easy to locate and reference the book. Furthermore, the lightweight design of 1.8 pounds means that it is portable, perfect for teachers who are always on the go. In conclusion, Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers) is a must-have resource for anyone looking to enhance their instructional practices. With its comprehensive approach and user-friendly format, it is sure to be a valuable addition to any classroom or personal library. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Grab your copy today by clicking the link below and take your teaching and writing skills to the next level! [Click here to purchase Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers) on Amazon.com!] Customer Reviews Analysis Customer Reviews Analysis We have compiled a range of customer reviews for the product ”Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers)”. Here is a brief analysis of their feedback: Review 1: The author mentions that many teacher-prep programs fail to teach educators how to teach writing, and he’s right! The book is filled with his strategies, suggestions, reflections, and the actual materials he provides his students. It’s rooted in practicality and his honesty is so refreshing. I’ll forever recommend this to all of my English colleagues! Review 2: Mr. Brandt’s approach to teaching is unparalleled to none. As my English teacher, he taught us different styles of writing that I use to this day. I bought this book to refresh my memory on the techniques I learned many, many years ago. Thanks Mr. Brandt.P.S. – I miss your humor and apples to apples. Review 3: The book starts well and does have some good information. I found the same information in Harry Noden’s, Image Grammar, which does not resort to politics. This book uses politically motivated worksheets for students. Mr. Brandt employs biased “straight from the headlines” sentences for student resources. Of course, these sentences are left-leaning, partisan propaganda. Keep politics out of student resources! Review 4: It is an incredible way to look at writing. My students love it. Great. Review 5: I asked my school to purchase this book for me. I will say the content explanation is excellent and thorough; however, I understand this author taught in an urban school district, but I think some of his examples when trying to relate to his students’ demographics are a bit tricky and shouldn’t be used if you aren’t carefully avoiding perpetuated stereotypes within various vernaculars. For example, appositive phrases are taught with the analogy of “dropping a dime” on someone. Something he explains he heard about in his “gangster movies.” I tailored this to be more relatable to the demographics of my students. Review 6: This is in response to the person who chose to report this book to the publisher for negative stereotypes of urban kids: The author of this book has spent over a quarter-century teaching at schools in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods of San Jose. He is greatly respected by his colleagues, many of whom grew up in the very neighborhood where they now teach. But Brandt is respected even more by his students, both present and past. His former students often return to his classroom to let him know how much he changed their lives by approaching them where they stood and treating them with respect, not to mention how he shifted their perspective on writing about themselves and the world around them.Brandt does much more in this book than simply “rebrand” grammatical terms for students. He sets up a system wherein students find joy in writing and communicating in a way that perhaps they had not before. Saying he is simply “rebranding” is a lazy interpretation of the information presented in the book. I struggled for years to teach grammar concepts to my high school students in an effective way. When I adopted some of the strategies presented in this book, I saw concrete results in the form of more coherent sentences, which in turn created confident writers out of teens who were anything but at the beginning of the school year.Perhaps instead of lodging a complaint against Brandt and anonymously commenting here to slander his writing and his reputation, you might have emailed him first. He is about as openminded an educator, as willing to change his ways, as I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Review 7: Martin Brandt is inspiring. His book serves as both a manual for student writing strategy and an honest (and humorous) memoir, recalling his own struggles to effectively reach high school students. I have enjoyed the privilege of working with Marty for the past seven years. His local reputation as an engaging teacher precedes him. So, during my first year as an English teacher, I latched onto Marty for direction. He enthusiastically (and very generously) shared his “sentence fetish” philosophies, handing over binders devoted to the development of complex sentences – the culmination of decades of work, which would later become, Between the Commas. Students (and adults) rightfully lament: “Writing is hard!” Brandt honors that very fact, and through the invention of his own user-friendly terminology (the Smack-talker, the -Ing Bomb, the Wannabee, the Dime-Dropper, and the Not-But) he creates an equitable foundation for learning that genuinely serves students by demystifying grammar. Gone are such cryptic, archaic, and loathsome terms, such as the Noun Phrase Appositive – thank God! I can assure you, in the hands of the aspiring teacher, Brandt’s strategies will create magic in the classroom, empowering student writers with both confidence and voice. Review 8: This book contains content that is steeped in “urban student” stereotypes. I filed a complaint with Heinemann, who has since brought the book under review. So, if you’re trying to maintain an anti-racist classroom, maybe hold off on this purchase.Besides, the strategies themselves aren’t anything special. Brandt just rebrands grammatical terms and exercises to sound more engaging to students. Try Killgallon’s Sentence Composing and/or Strong’s Sentence Combining books instead. Based on these reviews, the feedback for “Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers)” is mostly positive, with many customers praising the practical strategies and effectiveness of the book. Some reviewers appreciate the author’s approach to teaching and the relevance of the content to their students. However, there are also a few negative reviews that criticize the inclusion of politically motivated content and stereotypes. As with any product, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and teaching philosophy. Pros & Cons Pros & Cons Pros Easy to understand: The book offers clear and concise explanations of grammatical concepts, making it accessible to both students and teachers. Engaging exercises: The book presents a variety of engaging activities, including writing prompts and interactive exercises, that keep readers actively involved in the learning process. Comprehensive coverage: Between the Commas covers a wide range of sentence structures, ensuring that students have a thorough understanding of grammar rules and can apply them to their own writing. Practical examples: The book provides numerous real-world examples that demonstrate how to apply grammar concepts effectively, giving readers a clear idea of how to improve their writing skills. Suitable for different ages: The book’s reading age range of 11-17 years and grade level range of 6-12 make it adaptable for a wide range of learners, from middle school to high school. Cons Not for advanced writers: This book is primarily designed for students at an intermediate level of writing proficiency, so advanced writers may find the content too basic or repetitive. No digital resources: While the book is comprehensive in its coverage of grammar instruction, it lacks accompanying online resources or interactive platforms that could further enhance the learning experience. Minimal visual appeal: The book’s layout and design are straightforward, with minimal illustrations or visually engaging elements, which might make it less enticing for some readers. Limited focus on creative writing: While the book emphasizes grammar and sentence structure, it doesn’t delve deeply into fostering creativity in writing, which may be a drawback for students keen on developing their imaginative skills. Size and weight: With dimensions of 7.4 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches and weighing 1.8 pounds, the book may be a bit bulky for students to carry around or fit in their backpacks. Q&A Q: Is “Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers)” suitable for both students and teachers? A: Absolutely! “Between the Commas” is designed to benefit both students and teachers. It provides comprehensive sentence instruction that not only helps students become confident writers but also equips teachers with the tools they need to effectively teach writing skills. Whether you’re a middle or high school student looking to improve your writing or a writing teacher seeking valuable resources, this book is a great choice for you. Q: Can you tell me more about the content of “Between the Commas”? A: Of course! “Between the Commas” is a 184-page book that covers a wide range of sentence instruction topics. It delves into parts of speech, sentence structures, punctuation, and grammar rules, all in an engaging and accessible manner. The book includes numerous examples and practice exercises to reinforce the concepts being taught. It offers a comprehensive approach to sentence instruction, providing readers with the necessary tools to become proficient writers. Q: How easy is it to navigate the book? Is it user-friendly? A: We found “Between the Commas” to be incredibly user-friendly. The book is well-organized, with each chapter focusing on a specific aspect of sentence instruction. The content is presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to follow along and grasp the concepts being taught. Additionally, the book includes helpful charts, examples, and practice activities, making it interactive and engaging. Whether you’re a student or a teacher, you’ll find it easy to navigate through the book and find the information you need. Q: Is “Between the Commas” suitable for different grade levels? A: Yes! While the recommended grade level for “Between the Commas” is 6 to 12, we believe it can be valuable for students and teachers at various grade levels. The content is designed to be adaptable, allowing educators to tailor the instruction to meet the needs of their specific grade level. The book provides a solid foundation in sentence instruction that can benefit learners of all levels, from middle school to high school. So, regardless of your grade level, you can find value in this resource. Q: Does “Between the Commas” include answer keys for the practice exercises? A: Yes, it does! “Between the Commas” includes answer keys for the practice exercises at the end of each chapter. This feature adds another layer of convenience and ensures that readers can check their work and reinforce their learning. Having the answer keys readily available eliminates any guesswork and allows students and teachers to assess their understanding of the concepts covered. Q: Does “Between the Commas” offer any supplementary materials or resources? A: While “Between the Commas” is a standalone book, it does provide a solid foundation in sentence instruction. However, if you’re looking for additional resources, the publisher, Heinemann, offers other books and materials that can complement your learning journey. We recommend checking out their website for further information on supplementary resources that may be available. Reveal the Extraordinary And that wraps up our honest review of “Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers)”. We’ve delved deep into the pages of this insightful book, exploring its contents and providing you with our thoughts. From the passionate writing teachers at Heinemann comes a resource that showcases the art of writing, guiding students and educators alike towards improved sentence construction and, ultimately, confident writing. With 184 pages packed full of valuable instruction, this paperback edition is a must-have for anyone looking to master the intricacies of the written word. We were impressed by the comprehensive coverage of various sentence types and structures, as well as the practical strategies and exercises provided throughout. Whether you’re an 11-year-old exploring the world of writing or a high school student honing your skills, “Between the Commas” offers valuable insights for writers of all ages and abilities. With its user-friendly format and clear explanations, this book is a valuable addition to any classroom or personal library. The dimensions of 7.4 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches and a weight of 1.8 pounds make it easily portable, allowing you to dive into its invaluable content wherever you go. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey towards confident writing, we wholeheartedly recommend “Between the Commas: Sentence Instruction That Builds Confident Writers (and Writing Teachers)”. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your writing skills and unlock your full potential. To get your hands on a copy of this transformative resource, be sure to click on the following link: Purchase “Between the Commas” now! Transform Your Space with ProPOW LED Bulbs - See the Difference in Your Home Lighting! 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