Upon returning essays, I always take time to discuss with my students overall what they did well and what we can improve upon. After we review those successes and areas for improvement, I will read aloud an essay that was particularly good. I want them to hear good writing--writing that seems as though it was
meant to be read out loud. And then, we will discuss what stood out to them about the essay. Typically, I read one entire essay. However, sometimes I choose excerpts from multiple essays. When I do that, I try to provide visuals for them (as the image below) that include my comments. I'll explain my comments and what I thought the writer had done well. I also always try to give students the opportunity to share what they thought was good. It is also important to me to stress to my students that the writing need not be perfect. We just focus on our specific goals (writing with fluidity, supporting a central claim, using precise language, etc) and discuss how the writer is working to achieve that goal. The excerpt below is from a student essay in our Critical Studies in Literature and Film class. The essay was produced in class, and it focuses on developing an argument that addresses whether or not
Citizen Kane should be considered the Greatest Film of All Time.
About my notes above:
1. I wrote the smiley face because I liked that the student was addressing a dual idea: 1) that scene draws a viewer in; 2) a tacit implication that he was wishing for more
2. I LOVE the phrase "visual summary." It is so precise and to the point--and addresses
exactly that moment in the film.
3. I also marked "to churn the fire" because I thought it was a slight nod to the surprise ending of the film.
I use these notes to discuss with the students what I loved about their writing. I think the more positive things I have to say and the more excitement I show about their writing--the more likely they are to be energized to keep developing & growing themselves as writers.
