BrainstormingRalph Fletcher and JoAnn Portalupi identify brainstorming as "rehearsing for writing." Students can create a list of possible writing topics, look through mentor texts, talk to a peer about their idea or use a graphic organizer. The most important factor is allowing students to choose which method works best for them.
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DraftingBarry Lane emphasizes the essential need for space to organize and reorganize our ideas into the forms we desire our final product to take. In writer's workshop, drafting encompasses more than getting our ideas onto paper; it calls for the space necessary to treat our writing like a lump of clay in need of shaping. Creating space for our students to enter and refine their writing is possible through the use of word processors and other software applications that simplify the manipulation of their writing. With every new iteration, these tools for drafting introduce new methods for interacting with writing that facilitate drafting for writers of all learning modalities.
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ProofingThe idea that revision and editing exist separately from the drafting phase of the writing process is no longer valid. On the contrary, frequently proofing their writing is something our students should engage in even as they draft. if drafting is shaping a lump of clay into a recognizable form, then proofing is stepping back from the lump of clay to evaluate our progress, make adjustments, and visualize the end result through a critical and metacognitive lens. Proofing is equal parts editing for correct writing, and revising for quality writing.
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PublishingIn the eyes of Writing Workshop experts Fletcher and Portalupi, in order to ensure positive writing experiences for our students, it is the job of the educator to go to any means neccessary to ensure students have an authentic audience with whom to share their writing in a purposeful manner. At times this may include blogging about any topic among peers or within a global network. Additionally, these positive publishing experiences may include developing a creative writing piece or narrative into a real ebook to be published and shared among family and friends, or the world on ePub Bud. Also, an expository essay can be developed and personalized on Slideshare as a presentation to all. While the goal of our authors may change, ours as educators remains: Ensure students see and feel the work of writing in the real world, through authentic publishing experiences.
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Additional Literature Substantiating the Benefits of Integrating Technology in Writing Instruction
Babette Moeller & Tim Reitzes (2011) Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC). Integrating Technology with Student-Centered Learning. Quincy, MA: Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
Graham, S., Bollinger, A., Booth Olson, C., D’Aoust, C., MacArthur, C., McCutchen, D., & Olinghouse, N. (2012). Teaching elementary school students to be effective writers: A practice guide (NCEE 2012- 4058). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/publications_reviews.aspx#pubsearch.
Babette Moeller & Tim Reitzes (2011) Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC). Integrating Technology with Student-Centered Learning. Quincy, MA: Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
Graham, S., Bollinger, A., Booth Olson, C., D’Aoust, C., MacArthur, C., McCutchen, D., & Olinghouse, N. (2012). Teaching elementary school students to be effective writers: A practice guide (NCEE 2012- 4058). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/publications_reviews.aspx#pubsearch.