ABSTRACT
When the components of the triangle are present-competent writer as scribe/listener, a composer who wants to write a text and a text to be writtenthen there are endless possibilities for using this approach. The following case studies were undertaken in the course of normal school activities, sometimes individually and sometimes with a small group or even a whole class of children. Where possible other relevant literacy activities are indicated. Composing and reading your own story is not an end in itself. The ultimate goal is to make independent, confident and competent writers and readers. For some children this is a long-term goal which will take many years of patient, incremental work to achieve. For others, seeing what they are able to achieve, practising reading on real texts and having a sense of control through knowing and understanding the strategies they are using can be the necessary breakthrough into literacy. Children unable to read and write, particularly as they get older, are doubly handicapped. They cannot express ideas, feelings and knowledge and make them their own through writing and neither have they easy access to the vicarious life of feeling and knowledge through books. By making books with them we allow both of these important aspects of literacy to be effectively addressed.
