Use a weekly writing guide for students to use when writing on their own. They will need a graphic organizer, rough draft paper, colored pens, a checklist, and final copy paper. It divides the steps up for each day. It works well for homework and classwork. On Fridays, students can share their work.
MONDAY
Fill in the GRAPHIC ORGANIZER. Complete sentences are not needed.
INTRODUCTION: Begin the story introducing the main character, setting, and problem.
BODY: Choose 3 main events for your story and write details that increase suspense and include a climax.
CONCLUSION: How does the story end? Is the problem solved?
TUESDAY
Write a ROUGH DRAFT on lined paper. Skip lines and don’t worry about spelling. Just write!
INTRODUCTION: Include the narrator, setting, main character, and problem. Do not start with “Hi, My name is..”
BODY: Use your own voice. Build characters and show any changes. Add dialogue where needed. Provide vivid descriptions of events and keep them in order.
CONCLUSION: Make sure the reader will feel like it is complete and is satisfied with the solution.
WEDNESDAY
DARE TO REVISE and EDIT YOUR CUPS using a colored pen or pencil. Use a dictionary, thesaurus, and checklist.
INTRODUCTION: Is your beginning exciting? Is it attention grabbing?
BODY: Use transition words. (ex: first, next, last) Include strong verbs, adjectives, and figurative language. Use a variety of sentences.
CONCLUSION: End the story with a bang and tell any lessons or messages.
THURSDAY
Give your story a title.
Write your FINAL COPY neatly on lined paper.
Do not write beyond the lines or in the margins.
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