Story-sharing is a fun and compelling way to motivate children and encourage cooperative learning. Writing letters every day is an effective method for organizing language instruction, and creating a classroom community that welcomes every student, regardless of ability. Children's own stories will become the catalyst for literacy experiences that involve reading, writing, and all forms of communication. With ideas based in real classrooms, this comprehensive handbook shows how daily writing can be the ideal way to cope with a room full of students with diverse needs, interests, and abilities. Real-life examples illustrate the power of using their own life experiences to engage children in authentic, self-directed reading and writing.