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From http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/apr18/vol75/num07/Micro-Writing_for_English_Learners.aspx

Micro-Writing for English Learners
Larry Ferlazzo
April 2018

English language learners (ELLs) don't always have to produce long pieces of writing to increase their proficiency. They can practice important writing skills and improve their confidence as writers by doing shorter bursts of writing. These shorter writing opportunities are called "micro-writing" or "quickwrites" and are supported by the Common Core writing standards, which note that students should devote both short and extended time frames to writing. Even if your state has not adopted the Common Core, it's likely your standards have similar expectations.

I define "micro-writing" as a task that takes 3–10 minutes. I generally combine micro-writing with a short sharing activity afterward (such as small groups of students reading what they wrote) to reinforce listening and speaking practice. There are many benefits to this practice, including its application of what researchers have dubbed The Progress Principle—the finding that people are most motivated by experiencing everyday progress, no matter how small.

What follows are some ways you can use micro-writing with your ELLs (or any student, for that matter) and resources that support the practice.

Read the full article at http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/apr18/vol75/num07/Micro-Writing_for_English_Learners.aspx