Reading Each Other’s Writing

Are you hoping for your students to read and enjoy each other’s writing? I was too! And I found it so challenging for so long. This strategy, I call the Writing Shuffle, has made all the difference. Not only do students get excited to read each other’s work- but they are thoughtful about feedback, and can engage in the entire process from anywhere. Do I have your attention yet? That’s right, this is great distance learning or virtual learning material! Below, is the final product- a template that includes all of the pieces can be found here, but this post will walk you through how to do it yourself.

Step 1. I create a table in a Google slide with color coded blocks for student writing pieces. This slide is made available to students ,and as they complete their piece of writing in Google Docs, they link it to an available block. (Here’s a quick video tutorial.) They rename the block from “Title of Student Writing #X” to whatever they’ve named their piece, and make sure the sharing settings are set to view only. Once all students have linked their writing, the real fun begins!

Step 2. Once I know all of the names of the final pieces, I create a Feedback Form. In it, I use question #1 as a place to determine on which piece of writing they are leaving feedback. If using a template, I make a copy of the Feedback Template and simply edit question #1. Here, I enter the names of the writing pieces into the dropdown menu. This enables students to leave feedback on each other’s writing, once the Reading each Other’s Writing Party starts. Next, I link that form to the feedback button on the Google slide. (Video tutorial here.)

Step 3. I assign readers. I have color coded the pieces to make this assignment process smooth. I assign students to “Read and leave feedback on all of the pieces in your color block. Then read at least two more.” Other times I’ve assigned, “Read and leave feedback on one piece from each color.” All of these options work!

Step 4. Once students have spent time reading and giving feedback- usually two full class periods (They always ask for more time!), I organize the feedback and send it to authors. From the feedback form itself, there is a “responses” button that will take you to a spreadsheet where all of the feedback is stored. I sort it by title and copy and paste into a doc or an email. I clean it up and delete anything that is insensitive, add some of my own feedback. I share some well written feedback with the group, to encourage thoughtful feedback next time.