Writing
What is writing?
The goal of writing is to clearly communicate ideas, positions, or critical thinking to demonstrate understanding. Writing allows one to communicate what they know about a topic or concept.
Reading and writing are closely linked with writing as a form of comprehension expression. Reading provides information for the writer. Writing provides the written expression of the information gained through reading. Writing encourages putting all the literacy skills together – ex: phonics, vocabulary, language, and structure.
Writing is a difficult process and takes practice. Students must have foundational writing understanding (handwriting, spelling, punctuation, word, and sentence development) along with writing skills (knowledge about a topic or concept, vocabulary, sentence construction, grammar, organization of ideas, and understanding the audience one is writing for), in order to be a successful writer (LETRS, Volume 2, Unit 8, pg 233).
Types of Writing
- Informative or Explanatory
- Opinion or Argumentative
- Narrative Writing or Personal Recount
The Writing Process
Writing Process
- Brainstorming or Planning – gets ideas out and organize
- Drafting – getting the information out on paper
- Revising and Reviewing – adding or removing ideas, coherent and effective communication of ideas or positions, and preparing work for feedback by others for improvement
- Final Presentation or Publishing – putting it all together from the self-made revisions, and changes based on feedback to the final presentation
Seven Stages of Children's Writing Development (Apple Slice, Feb 2020)
Stages of Learning How to Write
- Drawing/Scribbling
- Labeling Pictures with a Symbols and Letter(s)
- String of Letters (mainly consonants) – THBR – ex: The ball is red.
- Writing Basic Words – ex: cat, water, said, hot
- Simple Sentences – ex: The boy ran.
- Extended Sentences – ex: The boy ran laps around the track after school.
- Paragraphs
- Extended Responses/Essays
- Research Papers
| Cranston Public School Resources |
| How to Read Poetry (example) - graphic organizer (make copy) |
| Learn different text structures of different genres |
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Models of graphic organizers for different writing genres
RACE Constructive Response (example) - graphic organizer (make copy)
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| Reading multiple texts on the same topic |
| Text-based discussion with various opportunities to write |
| Home Activities |
| Adding words to a sentence to provide as much detail or information |
| Keep a journal to draw and write |
| Makeup oral stories together – each takes a turn adding a sentence to the story |
| Opportunities to read and write at home |
| Practice presentations |
| Review written work at home and provide feedback |
| Writing Resources |
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Sequence Map
Fictional Story Map – Setting, Character, Problem/Resolution, End
Concept Map
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Cause and Effect Map
Classification Map
Compare/Contrast Diagram
Pro/Con T Chart
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| Painted Essay Format |
For additional information, please contact your child's classroom teacher.