Seven Steps to Successful Writing

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

6

Overview

This activity serves to introduce or refresh students about the steps in the writing process before writing an essay. This is a pre-test to see what the students know before writing an essay. It gives the definitions of the seven steps and can be used to study throughout the course of the year.

This resource was created in partnership with Dothan City Schools.

Phase

Before/Engage
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 6

ELA21.6.R4

Utilize a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish writings in various genres.

UP:ELA21.6.R4

Vocabulary

  • Writing process
  • Plan
  • Draft
  • Revise
  • Edit
  • Publish
  • Genres

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The writing process steps are to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish.
  • Various genres of writing.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Plan writings in various genres.
  • Draft writings in various genres.
  • Revise writings in various genres.
  • Edit writings in various genres.
  • Publish writings in various genres.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • The writing process is a set of steps that make writing easier.
  • There are different categories, or genres, of writing that can be used for different purposes.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to describe the steps in the writing process, including planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. 

Activity Details

Teachers: Before you begin writing essays, this would be a great introduction (and refresher throughout the year) to get students prepared to be successful with the writing process. 

Step 1: Create or log into a Google account and make a copy of this Google Doc titled, "The Writing Process Pre-Test." 

Step 2: Print out page one for each student to write on and keep a copy to study from. Print out page two for the teacher to refer to for the answer key. 

Step 3: Introduce the pre-test and read over the instructions with the students. Treat the assignment as a test to determine what the students might already know and what they need to learn. This would be a great time to walk around the class and observe the students.

Step 4: Allow the students to grade their own paper as the teacher gives the correct answers out loud. The teacher can choose to collect the student's work to see where they are on the assignment, this helps the teacher to know how to teach moving forward. 

Step 5: As a class, create an anchor chart with all the steps in the correct order. This is an example but is missing a step. I would use this as an example to refer to but add more or less for what you prefer. 

Assessment Strategies

Students will write their answers to the pre-test 7 Steps in The Writing Process and as a class create an anchor chart to remember the process. As the teacher observes the student's answers, the teacher can measure how much additional instruction the students may need to utilize The Writing Process. 

Acceleration

Advanced students who might finish early can write down an explanation of the difference between "Editing" and "Revising."

Intervention

The teacher can put students into small groups and have the students take the pre-test together while they discuss their reasons out loud. 

Background / Preparation

  • Create or log into a Google account and make a copy of this Google Doc titled, "The Writing Process Pre-Test." 
  • Print out page one for each student to write on and keep a copy to study from. Print out page two for the teacher to refer to for the answer key. 
  • The teacher should have an anchor chart or poster board with markers available to create and review The Writing Process as a class. A student-artist(s) can help create the chart if desired.

Learning Activity (Before)

Seven Steps to Successful Writing

Total Duration

16 to 30 Minutes

Learning Activity (During)

Write On!

Learning Activity (After)

Seven Steps to Successful Writing: The Post Test

Materials and Resources

The Writing Process Pre-Test (print and copy for each student)

Anchor chart paper or poster board and markers

Student digital devices, such as laptops, desktops, or tablets

Google Doc: Writing Process Pre-Test
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ib5SHFvNRTMJ4uNjUqjMsvsNRmHh1DFuxIfx6G4jvgc…

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

resewell
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