Reflection on Unit 2- (Writing as a Stage, Process and a Trait By Matrisha Williams)

For the week as a class we looked at writing as a Stage, Process and a Trait. 

 There are four stages of writing with Emergent Stage being the first stage, this is where scribbling, tracing, drawing and letter like form takes place by the students.

The second stage is Early Stage where random letters or string of letters, writing via invented spelling correct spelling and elaborate more ideas is written by the students.

The third stage is Transitional Stage where students honing in their spelling skills, spell words correctly, use a variety of strategies to spell more difficult words, writing in more genres, developing ideas and organization and greater control over capitalization and punctuations.

The fourth stage is Fluent Stage in this stage students have greater control over this spelling, their ideas, developing wider genres and organisation. They are able to critique their own writing and that of others, developing or elaborating their own voice.

After being introduced to these different stages of writing I believe that in the classroom students struggle a lot with the Transitional Stage. They have difficulties in spelling words correctly, organization skills and the use of punctuation marks correctly are poor. I believe that as a teacher it is important to have knowledge of the stages of writing so it is easier to identify which particular stage the students should be in and if there is any difficulties the teacher is able to give assistance to the students.

Whenever one is writing there is always a plan, it is done with and without conscious. For example whenever one is writing a letter to a friend they would first think of all the things they would want to tell the friend ensuring that nothing is left out. Next, they would begin to write the information on paper. Reread to ensure that they wrote everything they want to tell the friend and if they should add or take out details. After they would begin to check for grammatical errors, check the spelling of the words to ensure that it is correctly spell and proper use of punctuation. Lastly, they would then get another paper and write the actual letter to send to the friend.

With all that being said that is the Process of Writing!!!!

The Process are:

1) Pre- Writing- generating, exploring ideas, brainstorming, using drawings, etc.

2) Drafting- writing ideas as a coherent whole, writing without considering spelling and other mechanical issues.

3) Revising- reviewing and refining ideas.

4) Editing- use of word choice, grammar, spelling, punctuation.

5) Publishing- hand write the final copy and share or publish it.



I believe that every aspect of the writing process is important and if the students follow this process of writing they will become excellent writers, quality work can be produce. Individuals will read their work with clearly and with excitement because it was done properly. Students imaginative thoughts will begin to expand because a lot of brainstorming is being put in place and not only that pictures can be used to assist the students in gathering their thoughts about what they would want to write. Connection can be felt when this method of process is used.

There are 6+1 traits in writing which is also connected to the process of writing. The first trait is Ideas which means all the details from your mind that goes down on the paper. Organization is the second trait which focus on the structure of the writing, ensuring that the readers can understand what is being said. There must be a logical order, sequence so that readers is able to flow. Voice is the third trait this is where the writers passion for the topic is heard loud and clear. Word choice is the fourth trait which includes the parts of speech the writer decides to choose to create lasting images. Sentence Fluency involves the grammar that makes a group of words a sentence the way sentences sound to the ear and the use of transitional words to create a pattern. The sixth trait is conventions meaning using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. The +1 trait is Presentation and this is how the writing appears.

As mentioned above the process of writing can be linked with the 6+1 traits of writing. Pre-writing can be linked with the ideas and organization of the writing because this is where brainstorming, generation of ideas, sentence structure is being done. Drafting can be linked to organization, sentence fluency and  word choice because this area focus on how the writer will decide to structure the writing, the parts of speech chosen to capture the readers interest. Revising can be linked to idea and voice because this helps the writer to think of the overall message he wants his reader to obtain. Editing can be linked with conventions since it focuses on spelling words correctly, using proper punctuations and grammar. Publishing can be linked with presentation because this is where the information is being show cased for others to see.

I will  definitely take what I have learn back into the classroom to help my students to become excellent writers. In doing so some students will find their career path along the way and it will also gives assistance to those who already know they want to become journal writers. I also liked the fact  that the six +1 traits of writing had songs to it and also activities that the teacher can use. My favourite trait of song is the conventions song because its very catchy, easy to remember and the students will never forget it.

Conventions Song

You put your fullstops in
You pull some spelling out
You put your capital in
And you shake them all about
You make your paper better
When you edit it just right
That's what its all about.

I hope that the other units are informative and filled with plenty excitement so I am better able to equip my students within the classroom with all the necessary skills they need to develop to better their writing skills.