Hi Tena,
Cold enough for ya?
First readers are people we trust to read our writings when we think
we're ready to submit for teacher edit. I only edit for conventions.
The writer hooks up with someone who will read their piece and give
them feedback on how it might be better. They know from example and
modeling what a piece of good feedback might be. I keep the first
reader focus on content only, not editing.
I still visit (stool and travel) but when they have a peer who will
take the time to read their early drafts, it's magical how they lead
themselves to discussions. They may not specifically follow a formula
for feedback but they try and I give them the freedom to let their 10
tops conversations lead them to where ever. It's much more
effective. I might ask for them to give feedback on meaningful word
choices, they might touch down on it, but often they have other
discussions, mostly about similar expereriences. Good fodder for the
writing piece. OFten I'll ask the writer to jot down a reflection on
how the conference was useful and worth their time.
I don't read every single piece, but I do offer a quick look at
content if they ask, and I'll offer a glaring revision suggestion.
Takes a minute or two.
I don't read every single word. I get the gist of it.
I edit only when they've submitted for teacher edit. They've placed
it in the "slot" for teacher edit. I edit for "obvious
stuff" (defined by you), spelling, and correct title conventions. I
return it to them for their work at final drafting.
Please let me know if I've answered your curiosities about first
reader. It's loose, they do it outside the door to the classroom, 10
minutes tops, and I ask for feedback from the writer who received the
conference. They love it. It's a kind of publishing where they're
presenting their ideas and skills to the "world" and getting immediate
feedback.
Stay warm and happy new year.
Jacquie
On Jan 3, 2009, at 3:37 PM, TLP wrote:
Jacquie wrote:
...She said she missed writing workshop, hallway first reader
conferences,
choosing her topics and purposes for writing, publishing.
So I jumped right on this as I still use the stool and travel
method. But I
bet this would be less distracting. Can you talk about the "first
reader"
aspect. Here are some things I still run into.
Kids who do not use their personal proofreading checklist
Kids who want me to edit their work
Kids who want me to read every single word before passing in
polished work
(which on new tasks I don't mind but again it becomes an editing
nightmare!
Keep in mind, most are fine but there are always some that need to
be more
independent. Does "first reader" address this?
--
Tena
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