1. The 6 Traits of Writing

2. Organization – The Connecting Thread

3. What is Organization?
Organization is the structure in a piece of writing that gives ideas direction, purpose, and momentum.
Good organization holds writing together, making it easy for readers to see the big picture – much the way puzzle pieces fit to create a recognizable image.

4. Organization
Imagine opening your math text one day and discovering the pages had been scrambled
The first page says page 51, the second 297 and the third says page 3
Would it be difficult to find the information you need? Why?

5. Organization No one likes to read writing that’s jumbled
It’s hard to follow
It’s frustrating when nothing in the text seems to go with anything else
Unfortunately, some writers actually do write that way
Organization of your thoughts is often challenging

6. We will be learning some tricks to organize your writing
Putting ideas together in a logical order
Sticking to the topic
A good lead
Thoughtful transitions that build connections between sentences
A satisfying conclusion

7. Organization Today we will learn about writing in a logical order
It is important there is a clear beginning, middle and end in a piece of writing
Things must be written in the order they occur (Student work sheets pages 25-27)

8. Organization
When you have finished numbering the sentences, read the newly ordered passage aloud to yourself to see how it sounds
Choose a partner to compare your reasons for ordering the sentences as you did

9. Organization
Read your new paragraphs aloud to each other. Did you decide on the same sequence as your partner?
Does each of your paragraphs make sense?
Could there be more than one correct way to sequence these sentences?

10. Organization
As long as you get your ideas down on paper, does the order really make all that much difference?
What effect does clear sequencing have on a writer’s idea?

11. Organization - Homework
Look at your ‘Writing Territories’ list
Choose what you believe is a leaf sized idea that you would like to write about
On loose leaf, tell that story about yourself in a clear, logical order
It must be at least one page double-spaced
Please use pencil
Have the first draft ready to work on for next writing workshop class