Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of the Trait: Organization
• Review methods for teaching Organization
• Reflect on your own practices for teaching Organization
• Continue practicing Traits assessment

"I think a title is like a magnet. It begins to draw these scraps of experience or conversation or memory to it. Eventually, it collects a book." ~ Louise Erdrich, poet, US-American Indian Chippewa writer

Introduction:

Beginning, middle, and end are the basics of writing structure. It seems so simple in the abstract, yet many call Organization the hardest trait. Organization is the path through the maze, the trail in the tangle, the pattern that makes sense of the puzzle.

So why are so many students lost when it comes to Organization?

Telling students that every piece needs a beginning, middle and end just isn't effective. We have to show them how Organization grows from the initial idea stage into an appropriate "start to finish" structure. We must explain techniques and provide practice each step of the way. This gives students orientation tools - a writer's compass and a map - to use for the rest of their writing lives.

By explaining writing modes other than the five-paragraph essay or hamburger paragraph, we demonstrate that each mode has a unique organizational structure. We guide them through the sequence of Idea generation, first draft writing and revision, and set the stage thoughtful for Organization. As a writer gains understanding and control of the Organization Trait, he/she learns to choose a writing structure that fits their purpose and audience. Finally, we give him/her time to practice, practice, and practice in a writing environment.

In this week's lecture, we will look in depth at the elements of Organization in narrative writing: Titles, Leads, Paragraphs, and Endings. Once our students understand the essentials of dynamic leads, detailed paragraphs, and powerful endings, they will make sense of the puzzle and fit together better-designed and more powerful writing!

*As always feel free to e-mail me with questions or comments.

Dennis O'Connor
Instructor