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French
Coming Soon
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Science and Technology
History
Physics
Geography
English Language Arts
Indigenous content
Coming Soon
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Contemporary World
Grade 1
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Concept sheets
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English Language Arts
Prewriting - Step 1 of the Writing Process | Elementary

Prewriting - Step 1 of the Writing Process | Elementary

Concept sheet | English Language Arts
Grade
3-6
Table of contents

What Is Prewriting?

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

Prewriting Process

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

Prewriting at a Glance

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.

Next step: Drafting

Click to download.

Graphic Organizers for Prewriting

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

Mind Maps

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


Mind maps contain as many elements as you need.

Simple mind map template with a middle space surrounded by smaller connected spaces.
Click to download template.
Mind map template with a middle space surrounded by smaller connected spaces.
Click to download template.

Timelines

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

Timeline template with fields to fill in.
Click to download template.

Story Maps

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.

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.
Click to download template.
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.
Click to download template.

Plot Diagram

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

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.
Click to download template.

Full Writing Process at a Glance

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.

Click on the Writing Process steps for more.

Click to download.

See Also