Rapid Writing

Choose thought-provoking text/media to which students will likely have varied and complex responses. For example, the reading Talking about Religion introduces a story, emotions of shame and fear, and ideas about democratic participation. The reading We Need to Talk about an Injustice, which is the text of a TED Talk by Bryan Stevenson, similarly introduces a story students may relate to, big ideas with supporting and perhaps surprising data, and an opportunity for emotional response.

Have students get out paper and pens before they start reading or viewing so that they can immediately begin the rapid writing process. Let them know that they will be following a structured protocol to guide their writing so that they aren’t surprised when you ask them to stop writing.

Have students read the text or view the chosen content.

Using a timer, lead students through this series of steps:

1 minute: Quiet thought; no writing.
3 minutes: Write (try not to stop writing the entire time).
1 minute: Read and circle three main ideas (words or phrases) from what you have written. No writing during this time. You can read, reread, and think, but do not start writing again.
2 minutes: Write.
30 seconds: Read and put a square around one word or phrase.
1 minute: Write.

After the quiet, reflective time of rapid writing, the resulting clarity of thought can be powerful in conversation. Depending on the size of the group, this could be done in small groups or as a whole class.

Depending on students’ ability and writing experience, the duration of the time blocks might be shortened at the beginning and then increased to the times listed.