First Drafts
Purpose
First drafts are for writing, free from conventions (e.g., rules of writing).
How
- Write down thoughts and ideas on any topic
- Don’t worry about organization, word choice, grammar, spelling or punctuation
- Don’t edit as you go
- Just get the ideas down because you can make revisions later
- Write as many drafts this way as you like
See it in Action!
Watch:
First Draft Tips
- Write in bite-sized chunks
- Don’t polish as you go along—it’s a form of procrastination.
Watch here
Allow first drafts to be bad
This video encourages writers to let go of perfection and get their ideas down. Don’t aim for your best draft first—just get it out of your system and go from there!
Watch here
Practice:
The Free Timed Writing and Language Experience Approach strategies are great practice activities for first drafts.