How do we make sure we HIT our writing Bullseye? Time Management Strategies for the Writing Process

TWO Essential ?’s We Need to Ask “ What are the essential steps in producing a piece of writing? ” “ How can I use the essential steps to help me complete a final draft? ” “ What are the essential steps in producing a piece of writing? ” “ How can I use the essential steps to help me complete a final draft? ”

Question #1 There are 4 main steps Brainstorming Rough Draft Editing and Revising Final Draft Brainstorming Rough Draft Editing and Revising Final Draft

Question #2 How can we use these steps? The first three steps (brainstorming, rough draft, E/R) are TOOLS that help us to create a final draft. The final draft is what we are “shooting for.” All of the tools should be used to make our final draft clearer and better. The first three steps (brainstorming, rough draft, E/R) are TOOLS that help us to create a final draft. The final draft is what we are “shooting for.” All of the tools should be used to make our final draft clearer and better.

Brainstorming This is where we need to try to think of as many ideas as we can. Try to follow as many “thought” paths as we can. We use a graphic organizer to organize our thinking. Bubble Graphs, Webs, Logs, Lists, Charts This is where we need to try to think of as many ideas as we can. Try to follow as many “thought” paths as we can. We use a graphic organizer to organize our thinking. Bubble Graphs, Webs, Logs, Lists, Charts

Rough Draft The purpose of the rough draft is to help us put our thoughts into “writing” form. Here is where we start to put our paper into sentences, paragraphs and sections. This first draft, we don’t worry TOO much about spelling, grammar, and conventions. It’s more important to get our thoughts into words on paper. The purpose of the rough draft is to help us put our thoughts into “writing” form. Here is where we start to put our paper into sentences, paragraphs and sections. This first draft, we don’t worry TOO much about spelling, grammar, and conventions. It’s more important to get our thoughts into words on paper.

Editing & Revising Editing is when we go through our rough draft and check for mistakes in 1)Spelling (use a dictionary) 2) grammar (read it out loud) 3) Indenting (each paragraph) 4) Punctuation (periods, commas, apostrophes, question marks, exclamation points, etc.) Revising is when we go through our rough draft to make sure the writing is in a logical order, the sentences make sense, and we use our “sparkly” words. When it is possible, be sure and read your rough draft OUT LOUD. You will hear mistakes with your EARS that you will miss with your EYES! When it is possible, have someone else read your paper and give you feedback. Oftentimes, a fresh set of eyes will help you make your paper EVEN BETTER. Editing is when we go through our rough draft and check for mistakes in 1)Spelling (use a dictionary) 2) grammar (read it out loud) 3) Indenting (each paragraph) 4) Punctuation (periods, commas, apostrophes, question marks, exclamation points, etc.) Revising is when we go through our rough draft to make sure the writing is in a logical order, the sentences make sense, and we use our “sparkly” words. When it is possible, be sure and read your rough draft OUT LOUD. You will hear mistakes with your EARS that you will miss with your EYES! When it is possible, have someone else read your paper and give you feedback. Oftentimes, a fresh set of eyes will help you make your paper EVEN BETTER.

Final Draft In this last version of your paper, you need to re-write your paper, fixing any and all editing mistakes and revising suggestions. From your rough draft to your final draft, you should make at LEAST ten changes. Add SPARKLY words!!! No cross outs or scribbles!!! BEST Handwriting!!! In this last version of your paper, you need to re-write your paper, fixing any and all editing mistakes and revising suggestions. From your rough draft to your final draft, you should make at LEAST ten changes. Add SPARKLY words!!! No cross outs or scribbles!!! BEST Handwriting!!!

How Much Time??? How much time do you think that a writer should spend on each step? Let’s look at a good example for a five paragraph essay… 30 minutes for brainstorming 60 minutes for the rough draft 30 minutes for revising and editing 30 minutes for final draft writing How much time do you think that a writer should spend on each step? Let’s look at a good example for a five paragraph essay… 30 minutes for brainstorming 60 minutes for the rough draft 30 minutes for revising and editing 30 minutes for final draft writing

Some TRICKS for managing your time! Design blocks of study time and be sure to include breaks!!! Have a designated study space. Prioritize your assignments…put them in order of importance. Design blocks of study time and be sure to include breaks!!! Have a designated study space. Prioritize your assignments…put them in order of importance.

TRICKS continued… Postpone unnecessary activities until you are finished!!! Identify resources that will help you (a tutor, TLC, other teachers, family, friends, etc.). Use Free Time Wisely Create a “To Do” List Postpone unnecessary activities until you are finished!!! Identify resources that will help you (a tutor, TLC, other teachers, family, friends, etc.). Use Free Time Wisely Create a “To Do” List