Chapter 6 the writing cycle

Chapter 6:  The Writing Cycle

This chapter deals with the cycle that writers go through to produce a final written project.    The objective is to find a process that works for them, not give them a set process that has no meaning to them.

Everyone has his own way of warming up or prewriting.  Most will look for ideas in different places or by conferring with others.  This prewriting process is basically a rehearsal.

Rough drafting:  To increase writing fluency, and get rid of slopping writing.  This is where the correct spelling and content should be worked on.

Revising:  Have students look at their work and make possible changes:

1.     Change the beginning.

2.     Change the ending.

3.     Add a section

4.     Delete a section

5.     Change the order

6.     Change the genre

7.     Change the point of view

8.     Change the tone

9.     Change the tense

10. Slow down the “hot spot”

11. Focus on one part

12. Break a large piece into chunks or chapters

Students may want to try some of these ideas to revise their work.   The teacher can make suggestions and them how does it sound written in this way.  In the end, it is their writing so it will have to be their work.

Proofreading:  Have the students read to an audience of their peers to help them make corrections.

Publishing can be as simple as a letter to a parent or friend.  The writing can accompany an art work or  diagram.