This is a writing tactic where students are requested to approach writing in the way successful authors do: brainstorming sessions, penning down imperfect drafts, rewriting, editing, proofreading, and putting out their work for people to read.
The following are ways to implement each of these steps:
· Brainstorming: This can be done alone or in small groups. Brainstorming is where the students need to consider their writing goals, do online research, think deeply on the given topic to jot down ideas, use online graphic organizers to connect their ideas, and narrow them down to specific pointers. They should also have clarity about the central theme of their writing and a strong grasp of their supporting arguments. Once all these are done, it’s time to fine-tune their brainstorming results into a logical outline.
· Prewriting: At this stage, the students will record everything that comes to their mind as they write. They’ll do this without editing. To refine their thoughts or connect their ideas to the central theme, they can use different techniques like clustering, freewriting, concept mapping, and outlining.
· Drafting: Students will work independently at this stage to put their ideas into sentences and paragraphs. They’ll concentrate on explaining and supporting their ideas fully while connecting them to the central theme.
· Rewriting: At this stage, the students will try to make their writing more reader-centered by refining their written words. Their focus is on their readers’ needs and expectations. Rewriting involves refining the prose to make explicit connections between ideas. It also consists of making the sentences and paragraphs as accurate and concise as possible.
· Editing and proofreading: The students will use different types of editing like copy editing, line editing, and content editing to convert their rough drafts into final drafts. They should also focus on key things like incorrect syntax or structure, typos, formatting errors, grammar, and spelling. Typically, editing involves incorporating a teacher or editor’s comments or feedback on the students’ first draft.
· Publishing: Teachers should encourage students to publish their written works through different modes, such as a school newsletter, class book, bulletin board, or website. Sharing their work with people outside the classroom would encourage them to write more and even help them notice how it boosts their literacy development.
As the students start implementing these steps in their writing process, they will start mastering the craft and benefit from the skills in different aspects of their lives.
