Using COPS and ARMS!

Prior to vacation the students learned about the rainforest.  This week we continued to read and learn more about this topic. Since the students were so interested, and they had a pool of knowledge, we decided to write an informational piece about the rainforest. Before we got started, I introduced the writing process so we could begin using the Writers' Workshop model.  Throughout the week, I introduced Prewriting, Rough Draft, Editing, and Revising. I am holding off to discuss the last step which is Publishing (this will be introduced next week). 
During the Prewriting step the students use a graphic organizer to "organize their thinking".

When they complete their Prewriting they move their clothes pin over to Rough Draft (first picture shown below). This is so I can see where they are in their writing process. They also have an individual writing process strip at their desk to keep them on track (pictured below in pink). The Rough Draft is when they take their prewriting and turn it into a sloppy copy.

Next they move onto Editing. They edit their writing using COPS! They have to look for capitals, organization, punctuation, and correct spelling. They grab an editing wheel (pictured below) to assist them in this process.

The last step I spoke about was Revising. When they revise, they use ARMS (pictured below in orange)! This step is probably the most difficult for second graders to apply. They look to add details, remove sentences or words that do not make sense, move words or sentences to make their writing more clear, and lastly substitute words for synonyms.

The writing process is a work in progress! We will continue working hard to become better writers and that are eager to write!