The Writing Process and the Six plus one traits of Writing

Welcome, fellow adventurers of the written word! This week's session was an eye-opener into the enchanting world of the writing process, an odyssey composed of five distinct stages: presenting, drafting, revising, editing, and finally, publishing. Join me as we embark on a journey of discovery into the heart of teaching writing.

Unveiling the Writing Process

Our voyage began with the revelation that writing is not a linear path but a recursive one, allowing us to revisit and refine our work. It's a bit like painting a masterpiece, where each layer adds depth and dimension.

We explored the vibrant activities associated with each stage and how to orchestrate a symphony of creativity through writing workshops designed to fit each unique stage. Our toolbox now boasts an array of activities that breathe life into the writing process. Take, for instance, the revising and editing stage, where colourful markers – red for spelling and blue for punctuation – become the artists' brushes, helping students brush up on their work or a peer's piece.

 

The Art of Patience A pearl of wisdom emerged: haste makes waste. We discovered that the stages should not be rushed. Instead, giving students time to view their work with fresh eyes on different days can prevent pesky mistakes from slipping through the cracks.

The Seven Essential Traits of Writing

Our next stop was a treasure trove: the "Six Plus One Traits of Writing." In this realm, seven traits reign supreme: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and the newly-added presentation. Each trait is a facet of the writer's kaleidoscope, contributing to the masterpiece that is the final piece of writing.

Weaving the Correlations

Unravelling the intricacies, we learned how the traits of writing intertwine with the writing process. Ideas, voice, organization, conventions, and word choice flourish in the fertile soil of prewriting and revising. Sentence fluency, with its rhythmic beats, comes to life during the editing and revising stages. As for the grand finale, the art of presentation takes centre stage in the publishing phase.

Charting Our Course

This session was a turning point in my journey as a writing teacher. Armed with the knowledge gained, I'm now better equipped to guide my future students along their own writing quests. The process is not just about writing; it is a canvas for self-expression, a stage for presentation, and a journey of growth.

As you embark on your own adventures in writing, remember that the path is never straightforward. It is a twisting, turning narrative filled with discovery and wonder. With the right tools and a patient spirit, you, too, can become a master of the written art, teaching the next generation how to craft their tales and weave their words. So, fellow explorers, go forth and scribe your stories!