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Writer's Workshop: editing step

This is the step that deals with the grammar mechanics and spelling. During conferencing with students and mini-lessons, the teacher will work on particular editing areas. Topic specific editing sheets can and should be created; the editing sheet included is a general editing checklist.

The piece should first be self-edited--it is best if the student can also do so in a conference with a teacher or peer. The next step is turning it into the Editing Center where students' peers will edit the piece. An Editing Form will be filled out, clipped to their piece and returned to the student author. Each student is required to work at the Editing Center for a one-week period each quarter. This work will be graded.

1. Editing Poster (PDF - you need Adobe Acrobat Reader)
   This poster should be visibly displayed in the classroom for quick reference.

2. Editing Marks (PDF - you need Adobe Acrobat Reader)
   This one page handout displays the editing marks students should use when marking corrections that are needed.

Editing Marks Editor's Name: ____________________________________ Title of Piece: _____________________________________ Room Number: ____________________________________ Add Something Add a Comma Add Quotation Marks Take Something Away Spell Correctly Indent the Paragraph Make a Period or an End Mark Make a Lower Case Letter Capitalize

3. Editor's Checklist Form (PDF - you need Adobe Acrobat Reader)
   This one page handout is what the students use to evaluate other student's writing.

4. Editing Internship Evaluation (PDF - you need Adobe Acrobat Reader)
   This one page handout is what the teacher uses to evaluate students' peer reviews they wrote while using the Editor's Checklist Form.

Editing Internship Evaluation Editor's Name: _____________________ Editor's Room Number: _____________________ Date: _____________________ Work is edited in a professional manner. The appropriate editing symbols are used. Editor's Form is filled out correctly and completely. Deep thought is put into the "What I liked" section of the form. Deep thought is put into the "Wish" section of the form. TOTAL: ___

For additional suggestions on the editing step visit:

The Writing Process: Editing

includes ideas on editing as well as a quick time movie clip