I begin the year calling my students authors. Even when I taught the wee little ones, they were authors- usually of tall tales of late bedtimes and imaginary friends that were whispered loudly in my ear. In 3rd grade my students are authors of incredible stories, non-fiction tales and beautiful poetry. I love to sit on my couch (or on my chair at school) and read what they have written in their journals or on thin newsprint paper. I learn so much about them, their families and what interests them when I read what they write. I learn what makes them laugh, what scares them and what they really think about the books they read.
During Writer's Workshop, we often share as a whole group and in pairs, but I have been eager to start peer conferencing. I want to encourage my students to not only be learners and authors, but also teachers and editors. So this week we began learning how to edit using the Editor's Toolbox and editing marks. I explained to them that editing marks are a sort of universal code between authors and editors. This was a hit. Anytime I can turn something into a "code," I do it. It makes the whole experience much cooler.
During Writer's Workshop, we often share as a whole group and in pairs, but I have been eager to start peer conferencing. I want to encourage my students to not only be learners and authors, but also teachers and editors. So this week we began learning how to edit using the Editor's Toolbox and editing marks. I explained to them that editing marks are a sort of universal code between authors and editors. This was a hit. Anytime I can turn something into a "code," I do it. It makes the whole experience much cooler.
Since editing marks are a code used between author and editor, I thought we may as well dive right in to peer conferencing. I encourage peer conferencing to be a completely positive experience. You can take a look at the picture to the right of our Peer Conferencing Expectations to get a real taste of what we are doing when we are editing.
I am so proud of their writing, imaginations, handwriting improvements and sheer determination. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
Many blessings,
Elizabeth
I am so proud of their writing, imaginations, handwriting improvements and sheer determination. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
Many blessings,
Elizabeth