Modeling the Writing Process

Teachers are constantly modeling everything they are teaching. The writing process is one of the lessons that needs to be modeled and is not a one-time thing. With repetition, it is an on-going lesson that grows every time it is presented. The teacher, as well as the students, learns something more with each opportunity they have to teach writing and to write her/himself.

Writing involves creativity that is different every time it is done. It is very subjective and needs to be viewed as a learning process for the writer. The instructor also learns from the writer as there is a uniqueness that is not set into a curriculum or lesson plan. All involved need to have an open mind and thought process to encompass all ideas and have the courage to include or discard any one of them that doesn't fit.

The best way to present this concept of writing down thoughts is through modeling the process. This is not a lecturing moment, but rather a sharing moment. Brainstorming and deciding on a topic is the beginning. The choice is not a set decision, only a suggestion. The teacher becomes the guide and leads the students into the writing process. Any and all ideas are addressed and put on a jot list for future consideration by the writers. In this case, the writers are the class. The class objective is to come up with a composition that meets the requirements of the assignment. For the first attempt, working as a group makes it less threatening for the very timid. As the class progresses through the writing process, everyone becomes a model for some part. The teacher as a writer observes different ways the students encounter and progress through the process of choosing topics. Everyone is unique and contributes that uniqueness for others to learn.

This type of modeling is open ended: open to change, allowing for modifications as things progress. The modeling process now becomes a talk-through that guides the students to talk out the ideas put forth by the group. They can change and/or eliminate anything that may not fit at this time. Not trashing, just putting on hold. It is important not to put down anyone's ideas without agreeing with the disagreeing. Through modeling with the class, the teacher is providing ownership for everyone. This is important for the writer because it develops pride in accomplishment.

Once the ideas to be included have been determined, talk about the order of importance that will most effectively present them. The teacher can become the devil's advocate to guide the group to come up with an order that will hook their audience. This may involve the group constructing sentences together to get them started. Turn them loose to write and designate a time to come together to share and peer edit. Empower them with the idea that the English language lends itself to writing because there are so many ways to say something. Depending what the writer wants to get across to the reader, the choice of words is how it can be accomplished.

The thought of writing puts a fear in some that is very intimidating and can smother any attempt at putting something down on paper. Modeling is one way of making the writing process less threatening. Working as a group to share the fears is effective with apprehensive students. If they have a voice, they can write. Continuing exposure to the writing process helps the veteran writer as well as the novice. Modeling writing is a writer's way of practicing. During the modeling, there are ample critics to give input that can help the writer.