Minds On

Writing process

What is your favourite book or story? Have you ever tried to write or create a story yourself? There are several steps in the writing process. The first stage begins with prewriting. This means getting our ideas on paper. When we record our ideas, we focus on one topic at a time.

Brainstorm

Thinking of ideas

There are many ways to record our ideas for our writing. Before going through the steps in the writing process, brainstorm some ideas for the writing process.

Now that you have thought of some ideas, let’s go over the steps of the writing process.

Steps of the writing process

Think about what you would like to write about, your topic, and come up with ideas!

Take some time to gather your thoughts and then write them on paper.

Make your writing better by rereading what you have. Add more details and change anything you want.

Correct your work! Double check your spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation.

Make it neat and share! Get ready to share your literary masterpiece!

You may wish to keep a copy of the steps as a reference. Access the following printable document Steps of the Writing Process so you can remember the steps. You can also write out these steps in your notebook.

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Steps of the Writing Process.

Steps of the Writing Process Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Steps of the Writing Process. Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

Close your eyes and imagine your dream snack. Can you imagine it? Can you taste it? Can you smell it? What does it look like? What does it taste like?

Share your ideas with a partner if possible.

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

When we take some time to think of ideas about a topic, it is like warming up for writing. It is important to share ideas and record ideas before we write. In this learning activity, we will learn different ways to think of ideas about a topic and record those ideas.

Acknowledgements(Opens in a new window)

Action

Brainstorming

When we record our ideas, it is called brainstorming. Brainstorming is a first step of writing and it helps writers get their ideas on paper. There are many ways to brainstorm and record our ideas. We can make a list, create an audio recording, or use a graphic organizer.

Making a list

A list is another way to record ideas.

How to use a list

  • start with a topic in mind
  • record all your ideas about the topic
  • record one idea per line on your list

Now, make a list of your favourite foods or a list of your own choosing. Complete the following fillable and printable documents My Favourite Foods List Template or My List Template to make your list. You can also make your list in your notebook.

My Favourite Foods List Template Press the ‘Activity 1’ button to access My Favourite Foods List Template. Activity 1 (Open PDF in a new window)

My List Template Press the ‘Activity 2’ button to access My List Template. Activity 2 (Open PDF in a new window)

Graphic organizer: heart map

A heart map is a way to record your ideas about your likes and interests.

How to use a heart map

  • think of all of your likes and interests
  • record those ideas in your heart
  • use words and symbols to show meaning

Complete the following fillable and printable Heart Map Organizer document to create your heart map. You can also make a heart map in your notebook.

Heart Map Press the 'Activity' button to access the Heart Map Organizer. Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

Graphic organizer: tactile mind map

A mind map is a way to show our thinking about a topic. It is a way to record your ideas and how they are connected.

How to use a tactile mind map

  • using a glue pen create the outline of a mind map
  • write your topic on a sticky note in the middle of the page
  • draw lines with the glue pen coming from the topic to connect with other smaller ideas on sticky notes

Consolidation

Ways to share and record ideas

It is important to share ideas and record ideas before we write. Press the ‘Ways to Brainstorm’ button to explore the different ways that you can brainstorm and record ideas.

  • talking with friends about different topics
  • making a list
  • using a graphic organizer with words and pictures
  • dictating and using a text-to-voice tool

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

It is your turn to record your own ideas.

For this brainstorm, you will create your own mind map on the topic of respect.

Let’s talk about how we observe respect in our community.

  • What are some ways we can show respect at school?
  • What are some ways we can show respect at home?
  • What are some other ways people can show respect?

Share your ideas with a partner if possible.

Great ideas! It is your turn to record your ideas in a mind map.

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity?  Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.