With 80 percent new material, In the Middle, Third Edition brings Nancie Atwell's methods up to date. Nancie guides newcomers to a rich, satisfying practice while sharing her latest innovations and refinements with those who have made In the Middle their teaching touchstone.

Workshop essentials. Learning how to teach. My teaching story ; Finding a balance ; What about reading? -- Getting ready. Making time ; The room -- Getting started. The daily poem ; Icebreaking ; The launch: writing workshop ; The launch: reading workshop -- Essential lessons for writers. Procedures ; Craft ; Conventions ; Spelling -- Essential lessons for readers. Procedures ; Practice : Literature -- Responding to writers and writing. Writing conference guidelines ; Red flags and responses -- Responding to readers and reading. Reading check-ins ; Letter-essays about literature -- Valuing and evaluating. Self-assessment ; Teacher assessment -- Genre studies. A word about genres -- Poetry. Free verse: build a toolbox ; Ideas that matter ; Some forms ; Gifts of writing -- Memoirs -- Short fiction -- Taking care of business. Reviews ; Essays ; Advocacy journalism ; Profiles -- Humor and homage.