Noting the powerful influence of writing skills on thinking skills, reading comprehension, and knowledge retention, this concept paper examines writing as it is used in the classroom, focusing specifically on the writing process. Following a rationale for teaching writing is a summary of related research that highlights practice as the most important element of becoming a better writer. The third section offers the writing process as a successful instructional approach and outlines some essential writing process concepts. The paper then discusses each step of the writing process: (1) prewriting (including issues involved in prewriting and the forms prewriting can take); (2) drafting; (3) revising; (4) editing and proofreading; and (5) publication (including teacher evaluation and school publications for fellow classmates). A conclusion discusses the role of the teacher in successful writing instruction. A bibliography is included. (JC)