ALT What is the simple view of writing? Working Memory The ability to hold information in mind while completing another task. Transcription Transcription skills include letter formation (handwriting) and word-writing (spelling). Text Generation Text generation skills include writing sentences, paragraphs, and longer texts. Executive Functions Executive functions broadly refer to higher-order writing skills, such as planning and revising text. (Berninger & Amtmann, 2003)

ALT Working Memory Working memory is critical to the development of each of the three vertices of the Simple View of Writing triangle. When learners first begin to develop a skill - transcription skills, for example - their working memory is dedicated to acquiring the skills. As those skills become automatic, writers commit considerably less of their working memory to the skills, freeing up space in their attention to develop more complicated writing skills (text generation and higher-order writing skills). Transcription Transcription skills are the foundational building blocks of broader writing skills. These skills include letter formation and word-writing. Research shows that handwriting skills are predictive of future spelling skills, and transcription skills are predictive of more complex writing skills.

ALT Text Generation Text generation skills are dependent upon transcription skills (e.g., writing accurate sentences requires handwriting and spelling skills. Therefore, improving transcription (e.g., providing handwriting instruction) should also help students with upper levels of written language, including sentence or paragraph writing. Executive Functions Executive function skills often occur at the paragraph level and beyond, but they can be applied at the sentence level as well. Executive functions are highly cognitive tasks, and they typically develop after both transcription and text generation skills have been mastered.