The Writer's Mindset: Six Stances That Promote Authentic Revision

by Chris Hall, Linda Rief (Foreword)

How do you approach revision with your students? Is it a stage in the writing process right after drafting and just before editing? What if revision is something that happens in the mindset of the writer during the writing process, not just on the page, after it's done?

The Writer's Mindset reframes revision not as a series of steps, but as an awareness that's present through all stages of writing using mindset stances. Each chapter begins by defining one of the stances-metacognition, optimism, perspective-taking, flexible thinking, transfer, and risk-taking. Chris identifies core beliefs about the importance of each stance to writing and revision, and offers suggestions on how to foster it in students. He also includes specific examples of how you can weave the stances into the minilessons and pre-writing, drafting, conferring, and sharing activities you already do.

Revision doesn't have to be radical. Apply a new lens on your writing workshop practices, make subtle but seismic shifts in your teaching, and help your students spark a writer's mindset as they move beyond revision resistance.

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2021

Reviews

[Rachel D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read to follow The Confidence to Write. I have been reminded of great strategies that I already use and learned some new ones. I’m going to use both books to map out my writing plans for next year. Also, I loved that this one ended with reminding me that I shouldn’t do everything at once. It’s okay to adopt things in small chunks. If you teach writing at all, this is a great book.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a book club with other English/writing teachers, so I may update my review after our discussion.

It was helpful to read this book while doing a unit with my students on revision because it helped me feel more inspired to try out new revision strategies with them.

I also feel empowered by the epilogue, which encourages teachers not to feel overwhelmed by the abundance of ideas or feel like they have to change their entire curriculum, but it's okay and encouraged to reflect and revise our own teaching without overhauling the entire system every time we read another professional development book.

[Nancy Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartily recommend to anyone who teaches writing (all ages of students). There's philosophy and reflection and also what I really look for: useful writing/revision activities that are ready to bring to students. Also lots of examples of student writing and mentor texts. You can tell that Hall is a seasoned classroom teacher by how doable and useful these practices are. Plus, there's an emphasis on writing as fun and students owning their writing -- not a rubric-y, top-down text at all.