When I read STepen King's book On Writing I discovered his writing
process ideas and this is one of them.
His wife Tabitha King reads his content set and ready manuscripts and
he asks her for honest feedback. Is it working. Are the characters
believable? What would you add or take out and why? He basically
wants her to give her opinion on whether it's ready to be released to
the world.
I just used the phrase first reader now when I ask for feedback on my
own writing and when I present the writing process to students, it's
the same deal.
I think between the books I've read by Nancie Atwell, Stephen King,
Anne Lamott, and a few others on the writing process I just blend that
early stage of the writing draft process and ask student writers to
try out those stages.
First readers have given me feedback on dialogue and if it works,
unclear details, what's unanswered from their perspective. I take
what I like and leave the rest and remind student writers to do the
same.
When sixth graders were writing memoirs around an important place in
their lives, i asked them to get feedback from first readers on
whether it was clear why it was such an important place. Where did I
show that? Do you want more info? Which detail was most interesting?
least?should I take it out or add more detail?
I have to stay King's book on his writing process has remained my
favorite. He's bold with his language and honest to the core and I
like that. My students do not have access to his book because the
language is colorful at time, if you catch my drift.
For me, the best experiences/resources I can share come from my
reading of books by writers who share their knowledge and experience
around the writing process for them. I just have found that building
all the schema for myself allows me to synthesize and squeek it out
and to the students in overheads, writing notebook prompts,
conference prompts...
Jacquie
On Jan 4, 2009, at 11:15 AM, [email protected] wrote:
I like this notion, first reader... where can I learn more about it?
Thanks Deborah Bova
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jacquie Leighton" <[email protected]>
To: "A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades." <[email protected]
>
Sent: Saturday, January 3, 2009 5:29:08 PM GMT -05:00 Columbia
Subject: Re: [LIT] hallway first reader conferences
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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