The Power of 3: How to Know When to Move On in Writing

You taught a new writing skill on Monday. By Wednesday, a few kids have it. Others don't.

Do you move on? Do you keep practising? Do you reteach the whole thing?

Most teachers either rush ahead and leave kids behind, or they stay too long and lose the class's attention. Both feel bad. Both happen because we're guessing.

The power of 3 takes away the guessing. It's the rule I use at every stop on the Writing Teacher's Roadmap.

What Is the Power of 3?

When students complete a step, skill, or activity successfully three times in a row, they're ready to move on.

Why three? Once could be luck. Twice might be a good day. Three times in a row is a pattern. It tells you the learning has stuck.

It's simple enough to remember in the middle of a busy day. And it works for every part of your writing program.

What Does the Power of 3 Look Like at Each Step?

The rule stays the same at every step. Only the thing you watch for changes.

Roadmap stop	What to watch for	Ready to move on when
Step 1: Get Your Kids Writing	Kids start writing when you say go	Every student starts right away, 3 days in a row
Step 2: Make Daily Writing a Habit	Kids start daily writing on their own	The class starts without reminders, 3 days in a row
Action A: Teach Writing Skills	Kids use the new skill in their writing	Students use the skill correctly in 3 pieces in a row
Action B: Practice Writing	Kids write the new type of writing	Students write 3 solid pieces of that type
Action D: Assess Writing	Kids work toward their goal	A child meets their goal in 3 pieces in a row

For Actions C and E, the power of 3 works a little differently. In content areas, watch for kids using writing tools, like organizers, on their own three times.

What If Only Part of the Class Is Ready?

Move on when most of your class is ready, about three out of four students. Keep supporting the rest in small groups while you go.

You'll almost never have a whole class ready at the exact same time. That's normal. Kids develop at their own pace.

Here's what to do:

• Move the class forward once most students hit three in a row.

• Pull a small group of kids who need more practice for a few minutes each day.

• Keep supports out for anyone who still needs them.

• Check again in a week. Most kids will catch up.

Nobody gets left behind. And kids who are ready don't have to wait.

"The structure is clear and easy to follow, making research projects less overwhelming." - Tonnie A., Animal Report, TpT review

What If Your Class Isn't Hitting Three in a Row? When to Move On In Writing.

Look at the task before you look at the kids. Is it too big, missing a support, or missing a clear example? Change one thing and try again.

Ask yourself:

• Is the task too big? Make it shorter or break it into parts.

• Is a support missing? Add a word bank, sentence starter, or organizer.

• Is the example clear? Model it again, or write one together.

• Is the topic a good fit? Try a topic kids care about more.

Change one thing at a time. That way you'll know what made the difference and when to move on in writing.

Can You Start the Roadmap in the Middle of the Year?

Yes. You can start the roadmap any day of the school year. Begin at Step 1 and let the power of 3 tell you how fast to move.

If you start in January, your class may fly through Step 1 in a few days. That's great. The power of 3 shows you they're ready, so you don't waste time on things they already know.

If they need longer, that's fine too. You're building a strong base for the rest of the year.

Where Is Your Class on the Roadmap Right Now?

The fastest way to find your starting point is to check each step against the power of 3. The Writing Roadmap Quiz does that for you in about 3 minutes.

You'll answer a few questions about your writing program. Then you'll see which step or action to focus on next, plus you'll get the Writing Teacher's Roadmap Get Started Guide to keep on your desk.

Take the free Writing Roadmap Quiz.

Your Next Stop on the Roadmap

The power of 3 gives you a clear signal at every stop. When students succeed three times in a row, move on. When they don't, adjust one thing and try again.

Want to see how it all fits together? Read the full Writing Teacher's Roadmap, or start at the beginning with How to Get Reluctant Writers Writing.

Ready to find your next stop? Take the free Writing Roadmap Quiz. You'll find your starting point and get the Writing Teacher's Roadmap Get Started Guide.