After THE END: Teaching and Learning Creative Revision

Let this witty book revise your concept of revision, and find out how much fun can be had "after THE END."...This is a book that will make you laugh out loud, nod your head in agreement, and take on the energy the author puts into every chapter.

- Writing Teacher

At a time when the writing process is sometimes viewed as a seven-step recipe, with revision one of those steps, author Barry Lane inspires language arts teachers to approach the subject with flexibility and playfulness. He encourages both teachers and students to enjoy a sense of discovery and surprise in their writing, as well as to examine and explore their own distinct revising styles.

After "THE END" revises our concept of revision, illustrating it as a constant inventive search for new possibilities and divergent meanings, rather than mere correction or what students wearily refer to as "redoing." For students in upper elementary to secondary school and beyond, and for every teacher looking to develop a common language of craft in the classroom, After "THE END" is a book of practical ideas and applications that inspire the reader to put it down and put it to use.

This book hits the sweet spot of what I'm trying to accomplish as a tutor to some junior high school students. Barry Lane's exercises and theories fit what I've learned so far in this fun, and sometimes hilarious, quest.

The book is easy to read, yet loaded with useful advice. Now that I've finished this book, I'll be getting his other books and most importantly: I'll be starting to implement his recommendations on teaching writing to children.

The author is a writing in instructor in New Hampshire/Vermont. The book has a useful bibliography and he often comments on important books throughout his chapters.

John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX


Required reading for writing teachers   September 19, 2001
 25 out of 26 found this review helpful

Tired of trying to browbeat your students into revising their writing? Afraid you might scream if you have to slog through The Writing Process one more time? Try this welcome antedote. Humorously written but based on sound theory, Mr. Lane's book is chock-full of exercises that are fun, practical, easy to modify, and based on classroom experience. I've used them with third and fourth graders, high school students, and even teachers!
The book's first chapter, "Good Writing is Good Questions," is reason enough to buy the book. When we (or our students)
respond to a student's writing with questions about what we want to know more about, revision happens naturally.
"A large part of writing is simply trusting your own instincts and asking questions that will help you dig deep enough," Mr. Lane writes. Dig deep into this book. There's gold here.


Oh, the ideas!   July 11, 2001
 7 out of 10 found this review helpful

Mr. Lane's book is packed full of ideas for those who wish to find a way to make writing (especially revision) fun for students. The book addresses everything from voice and tone to conferencing and questioning in an effort to make writing truly a student's own (not just what a teacher wants). I find it to be an excellant resource as a new teacher.


After the End by Barry Lane   June 23, 2001
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

For so long, I have found revision difficult to teach for primary students. This book is a wealth of information. The vignettes given as examples are entertaining and are the basis for numerous mini-lessons to guide students through revision painlessly and effectively. This book will remain on my desk throughout the year. I highly recommend it.