Organizing and carrying out the drive requires that students write plans and instructions. Just before the drive begins, the students write persuasive pieces to convince community members to participate. Then, they parade through town leaving their writing at stores for the patrons. The blood drive leads to research about blood types, the need for blood, and how collected blood is used. On the basis of their experience, some students also write personal narratives or fiction.
Teachers model parts of the writing process as they work with students on writing assignments.
Some teachers write in their own journals as students work on theirs, and some occasionally create a piece of writing as a whole-class project. The mechanics of writing are taught in the context of writing rather than as unrelat drills and worksheets. Lessons are crafted to address needs revealed in student writing. Less frequently observed, very helpful Teachers provide numerous opportunities for students to write for real purposes and for real audiences, who frequently respond to them. At a rural elementary school in western Kentucky, the principal is invited to hear students read their writing and to react to it.