The Writing process reviewed

Writing may be viewed as a daunting task but knowing that there is a step by step process that you can utilize helps makes this journey less intricate and intimidating. The writing process encompasses five stages, each containing a set of guidelines: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing and Publishing. Whether it be Expository, Argumentative, Descriptive, Narrative or Poetry writing, the writing process must be utilized in order to help you produce an excellent piece. Renowned authors and poets, emerging writers, students and all others who have a knack for writing all engage in the step by step process of writing in order to help them produce fantastic pieces

In retrospect, these last couple of weeks have been so rewarding. Seeing our fellow colleagues apply the skills, knowledge and competencies that  they have acquired throughout  this course was amazing. We have seen our lecture superbly model some of the techniques that she wants us to emulate in our classrooms but getting the opportunity to practice in front of our colleagues was awesome. We all were paired and asked to deliver a mini lesson in one of the stages in the writing process for either descriptive or narrative writing. It was evident that each group put great effort into each lesson and that research was conducted because everyone seemed quite knowledgeable about the subject to be taught and the techniques that were needed to aid with the delivery. Generally, each lesson flowed logically into each other and there seemed to have been great communication amongst the various group members. These sessions proved to be very eye opening and realistic as we got to experience what teaching writing felt like; the constructive criticism provided by our course lecturer and colleagues were very valuable and we learned quite a bit from this.  Learning of the various acronyms such as CUPS, ARMS and STEAL have really made the writing process seem a lot less complex like before and perhaps we can vouch for everyone and say that we will be more assertive when it comes to the teaching of writing, regardless of the genre. We, however, believe that this strategy was implemented too late for we would we have benefited immensely from such routine exercises. Though we may not be gifted this opportunity again, we hope that such consideration will be made when instructing future cohorts of teachers so that they can receive adequate practice before moving to their actual classrooms.

Here’ s a quick review of some of the acronyms that we have been introduced to as well what each stage of the writing process is characterized by.

Prewriting:

·         Brainstorming of ideas

·         Considering audience and purpose

·         Researching

·         Outlining ideas

·         Deciding on genre

·         Plan and structure

·         Using diagrams/ graphic organizers to map out ideas and thoughts

Drafting

·         Organizing thoughts and ideas into complete logical sentences and paragraphs

·         No heavy concentration on grammar, syntax, punctuation and other conventions of writing

Revising

·         Reviewing, modifying and reorganizing ideas

·         Adding or deleting ideas

·         Emphasis is on improving piece

·         Ensuring that tone, style and content is appropriate for audience

Editing

·         Heavy concentration on spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, vocabulary, semantics and other conventions of writing

·         Check for clarity and repetition

·         Check for sentence structure

Publishing

·         Preparing final draft

·         Sharing your perfect piece

Embedded below are links to you tube videos so that you can view for additional information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LglDlCpB5yY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPUh9mfSqWU