1. Amanda Evans
Wilkes University
EDIM 510
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybrarian77/6284697322/
2. Many students struggle with the writing process.
Five steps outline a clear and logical progression
for students to follow.
Expectations for the writing process are clear.
4. Students familiarize themselves with the writing
prompt and develop initial ideas and responses.
Suggested Activities:
Brainstorming
Free writing
Concept map or web
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidking/997274721/
5. Students take unorganized ideas and organize
them in a logical order.
Suggested Activities:
Outline
Graphic organizers
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anselm23/2877561722/
6. Students write their rough draft or “sloppy copy.”
They should follow the order of their outline or
graphic organizer.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/calmenda/3798962989/
7. Students proofread their rough draft for errors in
grammar, spelling, and writing conventions.
Suggested Activities:
Proofreading checklist
Peer writing conference
Teacher writing conference
http://www.flickr.com/photos/calmenda/3798945203/
8. After identifying errors or areas for improvement,
students will now apply those fixes and write a
2nd draft or final draft.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/calmenda/3799778926/
Editor's Notes
Many students struggle with writing. Don’t know where to begin. After they finish one step, unsure what is next.Some students can express ideas orally but have trouble translating it to writing.
Introduce POWER steps to students in a fun way.Emphasize that they have the power to be good writers!Review this mnemonic device in class frequently (great idea to post in classroom or have students add to notebooks).
The first step is not meant to put ideas in chronological order. Focus on just forming ideas!Possible modification (differentiated instruction): For students who struggle with putting their thoughts into words, ask them to brainstorm out loud with a tape recorder. The student can then playback their brainstorming session and write down their ideas. Students could also brainstorm in pairs; one speaks while the other writes.
Have copies of graphic organizers available to students, but also teach the outlining process. Students will not also have access to printed off graphic organizers (i.e. during standardized testing).Try more visual-spatial activities such as writing ideas, topics, subtopics, etc. on note cards and then rearranging the cards in the order those ideas should be presented in the writing piece.
Students should follow the outline or graphic organizer like a script. This will keep their writing piece organized and in a logical order.
Provide students with a proofreading checklist or have one posted in the classroom.If doing peer conferences (writing workshop), set rules/expectations for students to provide appropriate feedback.
Make expectations for the first draft and final draft clear to students by providing rubrics.
