This Week in Language Arts...

This week in language arts, we'll be working with the rough drafts of the persuasive essays, editing and revising.  Though we often think about writing as a solitary endeavor, I believe that once a draft is complete, the writing process becomes shared.  I tell students that the more readers they receive feedback from the better.  I know that even in graduate school, I could always find something useful from every reader; in critique sessions, that could mean ten or more readers giving me ideas about how to improve my work.
In the beginning of the week, we'll talk about effective critique partners and how to give feedback.  (Here's a handout that summarizes the expectations and steps for critique groups.  And here's a chart students fill out to give one another feedback.)  Students will become editors, responding to each other's work.  I'll read the essays and give feedback too, so that every student will finish the week with a stronger version of his or her essay.  One of my favorite things about being a writing teacher is this: seeing a piece of writing evolve and improve and shine.  This is a great week to witness that process.