Short, Short, BIG! is a standards-based toolkit for middle school students reading in the 350–790 Lexile Range. The program elevates students' evidence-based (also known as persuasive or argumentative) writing skills through a proven methodology that includes reading comprehension lessons and grammar instruction. Everything you need is included: a 276-page, spiral bound Teacher's Guide with lesson plans, rubrics, and full scope and sequence; plus 160-page consumable student worktexts for the kids. Optional Master Class professional development provides additional guidance and support. Take the ambiguity out of the teaching of writing. Engage students with every lesson.

Meet students where they are to help them master the fundamentals of evidence-based (also known as persuasive or argumentative) writing.

I have a confession to make—I’ve been working on something for a long time. My entire career, in fact. I’m passionate about growing young writers as well as helping my fellow teachers be the best they can be. In doing so I’ve partnered with fellow educator Alan Sitomer to distill all our decades of teaching tools, tips, and tricks into one ultimate toolkit for reversing ELA learning loss: we call it Short, Short, BIG! It’s designed to take students through a program of short reads and short writes, resulting in BIG gains! In our pilot programs, our students’ evidence-based writing scored 130% higher on average after just 10 weeks of instruction, and their ELA test scores increased an average of 164%! 

Alan and I have included everything you need right in the box. Well-designed and easy to follow student worktexts and a gorgeous Teacher’s Guide allow educators to hit the ground running: Page One, Day One! We even offer a bilingual Spanish student worktext, with a corresponding Teacher’s Guide in the works.

We know you’re going to love the measurable growth in your young writers after just 6-10 weeks with Short, Short, BIG! So what do you say? Aren’t you ready for some BIG Gains? 

— Dr. Katie McKnight