The Writing Process: Drafting- The First Draft.
The prewriting group focused on brainstorming and used the five-senses cluster in order to graphically
represent ideas before drafting. The teacher created a five-sense cluster for his worst experience which was
a hurricane/stormy weather. The students were then asked to produce a five-senses cluster for their worst
experience.
a hurricane/stormy weather. The students were then asked to produce a five-senses cluster for their worst
experience.
We (my pair) then used the five-senses cluster from the prewriting group in order to create the first draft with the students. The teacher (my peer), created a draft from the five-senses cluster provided by the prewriting pair in the prior mini-lesson. He then read aloud and said his thoughts aloud while he wrote his ideas as he modelled what is required when composing the descriptive piece or any piece for that matter during the drafting stage. Furthermore, I gave students the opportunity to work in pairs in order to talk about their worst experiences. Students then shared it with the class. Using their individualized five-senses clusters, they were given time to write their first drafts. While students were writing their first drafts we went around providing guidance to them. After this, students were given the opportunity to present their first drafts before the class.
I wish more time was given to us in order to execute this lesson so that it would have reflected as accurately as possible the allotted time for a Language Arts class. This way adequate time would have been given for each activity so that students could have fully develop their ideas while writing. Additionally, if this lesson were implemented in an actual grade 3 classroom then more realistic and authentic experiences would have been created so that we as teachers of writing can see the real issues and challenges which are experienced in the classroom. For example, the diversity of students and meeting the needs of different levels of proficiency as it relates to writing. This mini-lesson could have possibly been done during the practicum sessions as students were placed in pairs at schools.
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Very Good Post! I enjoyed this session very much as I see drafting as a very important stage in the writing process. I agree that more time was needed in order to execute the lesson so that it would have been reflected as accurately as possible to a Language Arts lesson. So therefore, a more detailed lesson would have been established to better understand the drafting stage in the writing process. In addition, I sat in the class observing this lesson and it was beautifully executed in this short space of time. Moreover, drafting is definitely a stage in the writing process that I will apply in my writing class on my return to the classroom.
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DeleteYour response is acknowledged. I enjoyed reading your response and how you felt about the mini-lessons. I like the fact that you saw merit in the lessons and that you enjoyed our drafting session. Drafting should never be taken for granted. Too many times teachers are focused on the end product that meaning is lost in the students' writing. Drafting is integral in the molding of the writing process!
DeleteGood recollection of the mini lesson taught using the second stage of the writing process. Your recollection shows that the lesson was well executed. I can also see that the gradual release of responsibility model was used in getting your students to engage in the drafting stage. When engaged in the drafting stage, students will appreciate that in order to become super writers they can produce more than one draft in bettering their writing. Also, students will build an awareness that as they draft their pieces become better. Once again, a well executed lesson which enlightened me in preparing to go to the classroom as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteWritten by: Abigail Bascombe
Thank you Abigail. Our team is delighted to read your pleasant comment.
ReplyDeleteThe drafting stage allows students to develop a more cohesive text and explore their topic , the purpose , audience , genre and content . Drafting helps students write their thoughts freely .
ReplyDeleteGreat piece!
Nasha John
I must admit that this was a very edifying and interactive session. In the drafting stage the author organizes his or her thoughts, elaborate on key points and explains ideas in order to create a more cohesive piece. Your team did an awesome job in achieving these goals using the five senses cluster. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteTamara Armstrong