The Collins Writing Program

1
The Collins Writing Program

• An Overview

2
The Program Consists of Four Elements

• Classroom Management System (Folders)
• Oral Reading
• Focus Correction
• Using Past Papers to Teach New Skills

3
The Five Types of Writing

• They provide students with opportunities to
  think on paper
• They establish clear criteria that enables
  students to know what is expected of them
• Each has a different purpose but they hold
  several things in common
• Type One is Brainstorming (one draft)
• Type Two is Assessment (one draft)
• Type Three is Skill Development (one draft)
• Type Four starts as a type three and adds peer
  editing and a second draft
• Type Five is Perfect/Publishable (multiple drafts)

4
Type One Writing
Informal writing with the emphasis on generating
ideas, exploring, and recalling rather than on
right or wrong answers. Characteristics
5
Purpose of Type One Writing

• Activating prior knowledge
• Reflecting
• Brainstorming
• Predicting
• Making connections
• Creative Thinking

6
Type Two Writing
Shows that the writer knows something about the
topic. There is a correct or acceptable answer to
a teachers prompt. Characteristics
7
Purpose of Type Two Writing
For checking students understanding
8
Type Three Writing

• Formal (not a Quick-write)
• Has substantive content
• Meets up to three specific standards, Focus
  Correction Areas
• The draft is read out loud to improve writing
• Self Edited The revising and editing are done
  right on the first draft
• Always skip lines

9
Oral Reading and Editing

• Improves Reading ability
• Improves the quality of the writing
• Procedure
• Create a draft, read it out loud to answer these
  questions
• Does it sound right?
• Is it easy to read?
• Did I achieve my goals?
• Have I carefully checked my focus correction
  areas?

10
Focus Correction Areas

• A focused, strategic approach that asks students
  to pay special attention a few critical aspects
  of a given writing project. They are always
  accompanied by focused teaching.
• Focused Correction Areas (FCAs) concentrate on
  one, two or three critical areas of writing or
  thinking skills.
• FCAs will change over time as they add to and
  refine student skills. (Choose FCAs for their
  pertinence and utility).
• Use FCAs enough times for students to gain
  proficiency.

11
Guidelines

• The less mature the writer the more specific the
  FCAs
• FCAs should encourage better writing rather than
  simply avoid errors
• FCAs should be a mix of style, content,
  organization and mechanics.
• Do not overemphasize mechanical FCAs

12
Essential FCAs
Elementary Grade
13
Essential FCAs
Middle School
14
Type Four Writing

• The same as Type Three writing with two
  additional steps
• The paper is read out loud by another student
  then critiqued
• A second draft of the paper is prepared
• Reinforces the process of drafting, revising,
  re-drafting.

• The Teacher Evaluation
• Is done on the re-draft paper
• May only be done on the FCAs which have been
  taught
• Previously taught FCAs should be evaluated

15
Type Five Writing

• Is of publishable quality and does not have FCAs.
  It can be seen by any audience without
  explanation or qualification.
• As perfect as possible considering the age and
  the ability of the writer.
• It has been through multiple drafts.
• It is usually a special project a major
  undertaking.