How does stapling drafts to the final version help students' writing development?

Stapling drafts to the final version serves as a visual representation of a student's writing development, showcasing the progression from initial ideas and rough drafts to the polished final product. This practice reinforces the understanding of the writing process by allowing students to see how their writing evolves through revision and feedback. It emphasizes the importance of drafting, editing, and refining ideas, which is a critical component of effective writing. This method helps students recognize that writing is not just about producing a final piece but is also a journey of improvement and learning, whereby they can reflect on their changes in style, structure, and clarity over time. The connection to their progress aids in building confidence in their writing abilities and fosters a deeper understanding of the effort involved in creating a strong written piece.