The Writing Revolution

Synopsis

Why you need a writing revolution in your classroom and how to lead it

The Writing Revolution (TWR) provides a clear method of instruction that you can use no matter what subject or grade level you teach. The model, also known as The Hochman Method, has demonstrated, over and over, that it can turn weak writers into strong communicators by focusing on specific techniques that match their needs and by providing them with targeted feedback.

Insurmountable as the challenges faced by many students may seem, The Writing Revolution can make a dramatic difference. And the method does more than improve writing skills. It also helps:

• Boost reading comprehension
• Improve organizational and study skills
• Enhance speaking abilities
• Develop analytical capabilities

The Writing Revolution is as much a method of teaching content as it is a method of teaching writing. There's no separate writing block and no separate writing curriculum. Instead, teachers of all subjects adapt the TWR strategies and activities to their current curriculum and weave them into their content instruction.

But perhaps what's most revolutionary about the TWR method is that it takes the mystery out of learning to write well. It breaks the writing process down into manageable chunks and then has students practice the chunks they need, repeatedly, while also learning content.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Seven Secrets of the Writing Revolution

* Secret 1: Write in the Moment: Encourage students to write freely and spontaneously, capturing their immediate thoughts and reactions. Example: Having students write a quick response to a question without time to plan or edit.
* Secret 2: Write for an Audience: Teach students the importance of considering their reader and writing with a clear purpose. Example: Asking students to write a letter to an imaginary friend to explain a concept.
* Secret 3: Write in Real Time: Break down large writing tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Example: Dividing an essay into sections, with students focusing on one section at a time.
* Secret 4: Get Out of Your Head: Encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and experiment with different writing styles and perspectives. Example: Having students write from the point of view of a different character or write a poem in a unique form.
* Secret 5: Build Community: Foster a positive and supportive writing environment where students feel comfortable sharing and critiquing their work. Example: Creating a class blog or online writing forum.
* Secret 6: Go Slow, Go Fast: Alternate between periods of focused writing and reflection to allow students time to process and refine their ideas. Example: Having students write for 10 minutes, then spend time reviewing and revising.
* Secret 7: Write to Understand: Use writing as a tool for students to explore and deepen their understanding of content. Example: Having students write a summary or analysis of a text to demonstrate comprehension.

Chapter 2: The Writing Revolution in Action

* Provides practical examples and lesson plans for implementing the seven secrets in various grade levels and subject areas.
* Example: A lesson on teaching social studies where students write in the moment to respond to primary source documents.

Chapter 3: The Power of the Writing Revolution

* Explores the benefits of the Writing Revolution for students, including improved writing skills, increased engagement, and critical thinking development.
* Example: A study showing that students who participated in the Writing Revolution demonstrated significant gains in writing proficiency.

Chapter 4: The Elements of the Writing Process

* Breaks down the writing process into its essential steps: planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
* Example: A lesson on planning an essay where students create an outline and a list of potential evidence.

Chapter 5: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Writers

* Identifies seven habits that successful writers possess, such as persistence, curiosity, and reflection.
* Example: A lesson on fostering persistence where students are encouraged to keep writing even when they encounter challenges.

Chapter 6: The Tools of the Trade

* Introduces various writing tools and resources that can support students' writing development.
* Example: A lesson on using a writing app to track progress and receive feedback.

Chapter 7: The Future of Writing

* Explores emerging trends and technologies in writing and their potential impact on education.
* Example: A discussion on how artificial intelligence can assist with writing tasks and facilitate personalized learning.