Editing Process
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Editing focuses on the “look” of the writing piece. This includes Capitalization, the Use of grammar (nouns,verbs, etc.), Punctuation, and Spelling. In the editing stage, students need to determine WHAT the problem is (locate the errors), WHY there is a problem (understand writing and language rules), understand WHO can fix the problem (acknowledge that they are authors/writers/critical readers), and figure out HOW to solve the problem. Mini lessons on language rules and the WHAT, WHY, WHO, HOW editing problem solving process enables students to develop critical thinking skills and the foundational knowledge to successfully edit their work. These skills also foster ownership and pride in their work.
Revising Versus Editing
According to Smekens Education Solutions, revising and editing are clearly distinct, however, students have a hard time differentiating between the two. It is, therefore, important to structure activities and mini-lessons around the different strategies used for each process in order to separate the two as much as possible.
Editing Mini-Lessons, Strategies and Activities
Mini Lesson Examples Obtained from Mrs. Meacham's Snapshots
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This is an example of one of the introduction mini lessons that investigates and familiarizes students with the editing process. It allows them to take on the role of an author and an investigator. The activity is a guided mini-lesson but it is authentic because it uses students 'funds of knowledge' to understand the process and reasoning behind editing. This fosters a positive conception of editing.
This is another example of one of the activities Mrs. Meacham uses in her classroom during a writing workshop. Some techniques that are highlighted in this example is the use of checklists, anchor charts and targeted skills.
ASSESSING EDITING SKILLS AND PROCESSES
Creating checklists and targeting skills for specific grade levels gives teachers a good framework for assessment. Teacher's can use those checklists to determine students' level of understanding. However, writing workshops also requires that teachers do student conferences or interviews one on one. This will really allow teachers to assess students editing skills individually. Saying this, teachers assessment tactics need to parallel the student expectations laid out.
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