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 Writing Revolution

* Summary: Introduces the concept of the Writing Revolution, a research-based approach to writing instruction that emphasizes student choice, authenticity, and audience.
* Real Example: Students in a WriteRev classroom choose topics they are passionate about and write to real audiences, such as creating articles for a school magazine or letters to pen pals.

Chapter 2: Student Choice

* Summary: Highlights the importance of giving students choice in writing topics, as it fosters motivation, engagement, and authentic writing experiences.
* Real Example: Students in a high school English class choose from a variety of writing prompts, including creative writing, research projects, and personal narratives.

Chapter 3: Authenticity

* Summary: Emphasizes the value of having students write for real purposes and audiences, rather than for the teacher alone.
* Real Example: Students in an elementary school science class write to scientists to ask questions about their research, and receive responses from the scientists themselves.

Chapter 4: Audience

* Summary: Explains the importance of considering audience when writing, as it shapes the style, tone, and content of the writing.
* Real Example: Students in a middle school social studies class write historical fiction stories for younger children, considering the language and topics appropriate for their audience.

Chapter 5: Revision

* Summary: Highlights the importance of revision as a crucial step in the writing process, allowing students to improve their work and develop their writing skills.
* Real Example: Students in a college writing class participate in peer review sessions, where they provide feedback and help each other identify areas for improvement in their writing.

Chapter 6: Assessment

* Summary: Discusses the role of assessment in the Writing Revolution, emphasizing formative assessment over grading and the use of student self-assessment.
* Real Example: Teachers use rubrics and checklists to provide specific feedback to students, helping them track their progress and identify areas for improvement.

Chapter 7: Teacher Roles

* Summary: Describes the role of teachers in the Writing Revolution, as facilitators, guides, and mentors who support student writers.
* Real Example: Teachers plan lessons that provide students with choice, authentic writing experiences, and opportunities for revision and feedback.

Chapter 8: Digital Tools

* Summary: Explores the use of digital tools in the Writing Revolution, such as word processors, collaborative writing platforms, and online resources.
* Real Example: Students in a writing workshop use Google Docs to collaborate on shared writing projects, allowing them to receive immediate feedback from their peers.

Chapter 9: The Future of the Writing Revolution

* Summary: Discusses the potential impact of the Writing Revolution on the future of writing instruction and student writing abilities.
* Real Example: Researchers continue to study the long-term effects of the WriteRev approach, demonstrating its positive impact on students' writing skills and engagement.