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Writing Instruction

K-12 Integrated Reading and Writing

Writing InstructionK-12 Integrated Reading and Writing

Writing Process

Creative Teaching Press
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Recursive, Not Linear

Younger writers are taught that writing is as easy as 1-2-3, or more precisely 1-2-3-4-5. The over-simplified Writing Process:
  1. Prewriting
  2. Drafting
  3. Revising
  4. Editing
  5. Publishing

In that order. Period. No discussion. Experienced writers know writing is not that simple and neat. It's more a tsunami of creation -- a spiraling vortex of revision. The writing process is recursive in nature.

Recursive Writing Process
3-hour example
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Time Distribution

To best support novice writers, devote most of your writing time in the prewriting and revision stages. Prewriting is important because developing writers often struggle with generating ideas. If you help students develop and organize their background knowledge, they''ll struggle less with the actual drafting. Regardless your writing ability and experience, revision takes the biggest chunk of time. This is the stage when the craft of writing is cultivated. During revision, writers work on refining ideas and polishing voice. Not investing in ample time for revision would sacrifice the quality of the writing.
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Extended Metaphor

Describe your writing process by creating a robust extended metaphor. Post it on Padlet with a photo, GIF, or movie clip to illustrate it. Make sure you comment on the other posted metaphors!