POWER writing strategy to help students with disabilities

Writing has always been my least favorite subject and not my favorite to teach. We have all heard about the process/steps for writing. I use the word POWER to help my students remember the five steps. I explain to the students that there is POWER in writing. The P stands for pick a topic, sometimes it is chosen for you, but other times they can pick. The O is for organizing your ideas. I use a graphic organizer similar to the one listed above, but any organizer can be used. Eventually, I scaffold away the organizer and have them create their own. W is for writing their first draft. I have my students skip lines for revisions and editing later. The E is for edit. The students are given an editing checklist that is pictured above. I laminate these and use them throughout the year. I use the COPS strategy for editing, which is check for capitals, organization, punctuation, and spelling. Editing is a great time for students to peer edit each other's work. The last step is R, which is for revise. ARMS is the strategy I teach the students. A is for add words, details, or sentences to their writing. I edit and revise a paper that I have created and model for the students how to go through these steps. For adding details remind the students to use their five senses, what they see, hear, smell, touch, or taste. R is for removing any repetitive words or ideas. M is for move any sentences or words to make sure your writing flows. S is for substituting any words or sentences. This can be instead of using the word happy, I tell my students to use a more grown-up word such as excited, or enthusiastic. I hope this helps make teaching writing a little bit easier.