How to Writing: Organize

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Good writers clearly communicate their message to their writers.

An effective way to write clearly is to organize your thoughts before beginning to write.

Graphic organizers are great tools writers use to brainstorm and organize writing. Graphic organizers allow writers to sketch an outline of their writing, organize information, and get a clear picture of what they are going to write BEFORE actual writing takes place.

This is just like going on a trip — you need to know your destination before you plan your route. You might consider various ways to get to the destination, but planning the route will ensure that the trip is perfectly suited for you.

To begin, you will use a bubble map to brainstorm things that you are an expert at doing.

1. Print Brainstorm Bubble Map from Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar.
2. The rectangle in the middle is where you write your main idea or topic. Take a few minutes to think of the all the things you are an expert at doing. Maybe you are an expert teeth-brusher with a cavity-free dental record. Or maybe you have mastered the art of cookie baking, or even hiting a home run. Whatever your skill, jot it down in the center space.
3. The bubbles on the spokes that come off the main topic are for each of the steps involved, or the main reasons that support your topic. If you can't think of at least three, you'll need to come up with a new topic that you find easier to explain.
4. Once you have your second set of bubbles complete, the smallest bubbles coming off the steps or supporting ideas are for details. Use these to add short notes on the details you would like to add that will help to support your steps or ideas.

When your Brainstorm Bubble Map is complete, review it with your teacher or parent.

• Does your teacher or parent have any suggestions of other things you're an expert at doing?

Add more spokes if you need to!

Next, you will write your rough draft of directions to teach others how to complete the task you seleced.

When you are ready, go on to the Go! section to continue preparations.