Writing Process FREEBIE!!!!!

The last time I wrote I told you about the Ohio Literacy Conference. While there, the same presenter Lynne Ecenbarger, talked about the writing process for her littles.  Her list went like this: 
                         1.  Think
                         2.  Draw
                         3.  Label
                         4.  Write
                         5.  Add Details

My wheels started turning (yes, music to Proud Mary playing in the background).  :)  I think that she hit the nail on the head with THINKing first.  But then.... I decided that my firsties needed to make a PLAN.  After planning, we move into the DRAW and LABEL, but after that I added in a step for TALKing.  It's important for our firsties, especially because they lack language and for some the ability to carry on a conversations, to talk with each other.  After talking with each other, students are allowed to go backward in the process or move forward with WRITING.  After writing, we will REVISE and EDIT.  Now, with your writers, you may choose to rearrange the steps, but this is what works for us.  :)

I'm not sure how to manage each class in this process since I teach four classes of firsties.  I'm thinking we will have each class write their name on the board next to the step they are on.  You could use magnets or clothespins. We have been explicitly telling our firsties they have the power to move forward or backward in the process and that's ok, so I'm hoping they choose to move freely between the steps. We really work hard on having our firsties realize they have the POWER as the author of their stories.

We hope you'll be able to use this guy in your writing class and we'd LOVE feedback from you if you do!  :)  What else do you use to monitor your kiddos writing?

OH, the best news..... This is the first item in my TPT store.  WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?  Pick yourselves back up off the floor.  :)  It's true.  I have two FREE items in my store with the hopes of many more items to join them....... someday.  :) Guess Em's going to have to add a little button up there for me too, since she's the brains behind this website design.  Thanks Em!



Be curious today friends!