Have you ever wondered how writers learned to tell stories? Have you thought about your own progress from scribbling to creating detailed stories? These thoughts crossed my mind during our LIT102 session this week, where we delved into the different stages of writing.
🐛 Think of a small caterpillar crawling on a branch, just like
new or EMERGENT writers starting to draw and write their first words. Their advancement,
though limited, unfolds gradually as they grasp the idea that writing
communicates a message, and they start examining and pretending to read their own
compositions.
𖡉 As the caterpillar wraps itself in a cocoon, it's like EARLY writers who, with practice, begin to form simple words and sentences, even
though they might find language a bit tricky, much like a caterpillar moving
through branches. Invented spelling has become a common practice among these
students who have an understanding of the relationship between letters and
sounds. During this cocoon stage, they actively participate in the writing
process. They carefully plan what they will write about, craft their initial
drafts, and then meticulously revise their work to enhance its meaning and
incorporate intricate details.
🦋With time and patience, the caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly, similar to how DEVELOPING writers grow. They write clear paragraphs, and their vocabulary expands like a butterfly's wings, ready to soar. Though one step higher, these writers have not yet attained the level of mastery.
🦋🦋Skilled or FLUENT writers, like fully grown butterflies, effortlessly use language to craft engaging stories.
But what caught my attention was the stage of developing
writers. Imagine a chrysalis slowly opening, revealing a newly formed
butterfly's vibrant colours. This stage represents a writer's journey, where
dedication and creativity come together, unfolding into expressive writing,
much like a butterfly spreading its wings for the first time, ready to explore
the world. These writers not only engage in extensive planning, revising
drafts, and editing their work (part of the writing process), but they are also
starting to develop their unique voices, much like a butterfly unfurling its
wings for the first time. I believe in our role as educators, it is our
responsibility to guide them into the world confidently. This can be achieved
by instructing them on developing and organizing their ideas, teaching them to
adapt their writing for various audiences, and emphasizing the importance of
prewriting. There is significant room for shaping and nurturing young writers
at this developmental stage, as their potential for further growth is vast.
Classes that encourage reflection, such as these, evoke a sense of nostalgia in me, reminding me of my own journey and growth as a writer during childhood. I have undeniably undergone a metamorphic change in my writing journey, leading me to the “write” path. At this moment, my strong resolve is to encourage my students to undertake this rewarding journey as well.
Until next time... toodles!