Content code
e0411
Slug (identifier)
prewriting-step-1-of-the-writing-process
Parent content
Writing Process | Elementary
Grades
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Topic
English Language Arts
Content
Title (level 2)
What Is Prewriting?
Title slug (identifier)
what-is-prewriting
Contenu
Corps

Prewriting is the first step of the writing process, done before you start writing a text.
This is the brainstorming and planning stage.

Title (level 2)
Prewriting Process
Title slug (identifier)
prewriting-process
Contenu
Corps

Generate ideas

Brainstorming
Taking notes
Mind maps

Research

Look for information
Gather information

Planning & organization

Regroup
Connect
Order
Use graphic organizers

Audience & purpose

Who is the text for?
Why is the text written?

Narrow it down

Decide on a topic
Select ideas & information
Title (level 2)
Prewriting at a Glance
Title slug (identifier)
prewriting-at-a-glance
Contenu
Image
Summary of the prewriting process. Prewriting is where we generate the ideas, do some research, plan and organize, take in account the audience and purpose and narrow it down.
Description

Next step: Drafting

File
Prewriting at a Glance - dowloadable
Texte bouton
Click to download.
Title (level 2)
Graphic Organizers for Prewriting
Title slug (identifier)
graphic-organizers-for-prewriting
Contenu
Corps

Here are examples of tools to help you organize and plan you texts:

Links
Type
Anchor
Title
Mind maps
Anchor
mind-maps
Type
Anchor
Title
Timelines
Anchor
timelines
Type
Anchor
Title
Story maps
Anchor
story-maps
Type
Anchor
Title
Plot diagram
Anchor
plot-diagram
Columns number
3 columns
Format
33% / 33% / 33%
First column
Title (level 3)
Mind Maps
Title slug (identifier)
mind-maps
Corps

Mind maps help organize elements and see how they connect to one another.


Mind maps contain as many elements as you need.

Second column
Image
Simple mind map template with a middle space surrounded by smaller connected spaces.
File
Mind map with few elements - downloadable
Texte bouton
Click to download template.
Third column
Image
Mind map template with a middle space surrounded by smaller connected spaces.
File
Mind map with many elements - downloadable
Texte bouton
Click to download template.
Columns number
2 columns
Format
50% / 50%
First column
Title (level 3)
Timelines
Title slug (identifier)
timelines
Corps

Timelines help organize elements in chronological order, like for story events or steps in a process.

Second column
Image
Timeline template with fields to fill in.
File
Timeline template - downloadable
Texte bouton
Click to download template.
Columns number
3 columns
Format
33% / 33% / 33%
First column
Title (level 3)
Story Maps
Title slug (identifier)
story-maps
Corps

Story maps help outline the main elements of a story. 


They can be used for a whole story or for parts of a story like chapters, for instance.

Second column
Image
Story map template with spaces to fill for the beginning, middle and ending of the story. Additionally, a field for characters and the story setting.
File
Story map for whole stories template - downloadable
Texte bouton
Click to download template.
Third column
Image
Story map template with spaces to fill for chapters. There are fields for the story problem, the solution, relevant actions and events, characters involved, the story setting and any relevant details.
File
Story map for parts of stories template - downloadebl
Texte bouton
Click to download template.
Columns number
2 columns
Format
50% / 50%
First column
Title (level 3)
Plot Diagram
Title slug (identifier)
plot-diagram
Corps

Plot diagrams help illustrate the flow of a story, from event to event.


There are 6 parts to the plot diagram.

  1. Exposition: the introduction

  2. Inciting incident: the event that gets the story moving

  3. Rising action: actions that lead to a final showdown

  4. Climax: peak of the story, final showdown

  5. Falling action: wrap up of the story

  6. Resolution: the ending

Second column
Image
Plot diagram template with fields to fill in for the exposition, the inciting incident, the rising action, the climax, the falling action and the resolution.
File
Plot diagram template - downloadable
Texte bouton
Click to download template.
Title (level 2)
Full Writing Process at a Glance
Title slug (identifier)
full-writing-process-at-a-glance
Contenu
Image
Summary of the writing process. Step 1 is the prewriting where we do brainstorming and planning. Step 2, drafting, where we put ideas on paper, making a rough copy. Step 3, revision, where we reorganize, add and/or delete ideas. Step 4, editing, where we check grammar and spelling. Step 5, publishing, where we make the final touches and a final copy and share the text.
Title
Click on the Writing Process steps for more.
File
Full Writing Process at a Glance - downloadable
Texte bouton
Click to download.
Corps

  1. Prewriting

  2. Drafting

  3. Revision

  4. Editing

  5. Publishing

Title (level 2)
See Also
Title slug (identifier)
see-also
Contenu
Links
Type
Internal
Title
The Response Process | Elementary
Internal link
/en/students/vl/english/the-response-process-e0275
Type
Internal
Title
Reading Strategies | Elementary
Internal link
/en/students/vl/english/reading-strategies-elementary-e0105
Remove audio playback
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