Why Quickwrites?

"How do I know what I think until I see what I say?"

- E. M. Forster

Our recent newsletters have explored ways to use real, relevant, and relatable writing in all content areas. This is not a new concept. For decades, there has been an evidence-based trend towards using writing in every area of educational programming. Knowing that writing is not exclusively a skill for the ELA classroom is the WHY for our simple, effective, and efficient strategies. The need for cross-content literacy has inspired the tools, protocols, and methods that are the heart of the Collins Writing framework. And the experiences, research, and testimonials of authors, researchers, teachers, and students validates Why we do what we do.

This month, we are breaking from our usual format to focus on the abundant support for our routines and practices. Many consider us as a Learning to Write initiative (and that is one of our purposes) but, we are also an incredibly intuitive, efficient, and effective structure for using Writing to Learn in all content areas-from cooking to calculus!

We believe that effective schools do not separate the two. WHY? Because both Writing to Learn and Learning to Write are critical parts of a successful and enriching learning environment.

“Writing is a fundamental skill,” says Steve Graham of Arizona State University, “...to learn new ideas, persuade others, record information, create imaginary worlds, express feelings, entertain others, heal psychological wounds, chronicle experiences, and explore the meaning of events and situations...” If schools are not teaching to write AND writing to learn, it “exacts a toll on those who do not learn to write well, as this can limit academic, occupational, and personal attainments,” says Graham.

This issue is devoted to sharing support for our strongly held beliefs about how to teach and use writing as a learning tool in any subject area--the WHYS of Collins Writing and Writing to Learn. Each link supplies research, authority, and observations for practitioners about WHY we do what we do.

Come back next month for the WHYS of Collins Writing and Learning to Write.

The WHYS of Writing to Learn Writing

WHY Write Across the Curriculum?

Because … it builds critical thinking, improves content mastery, and prepares students for their future careers. See what the experts say...

WHY Use Quickwrites?

Because … they facilitate productive brainstorming and improve content learning and retention. See what other experts say...

WHY Prioritize Essential Vocabulary?

Because … vocabulary development is essential to making sense of classroom and real-world tasks, impacts all modes of literacy (reading, writing, and speaking), and is a key indicator of academic success. More from the experts...

Quickwrites in Action

Here’s a great video showing quickwrites being used in actual writing to learn classes! The Collins framework, namely Type One and Type Two Writing, provides the language, structures, and routines teachers and students need to make writing to learn a success!

Quickwrites Across Grade Levels

Our website has an entire page dedicated just to the nuts and bolts of Type One and Type Two quickwrites, and sometimes seeing samples of student work really helps to clarify our method and inspire success.

Below are just a few Type One and Two samples across grade levels and content areas.

Check out the full February 2025 Collins Writing Exchange Newsletter.