Learners Read Their Work

Set the Ground Rules

I start by reminding everyone that we are commenting on what’s good and ignoring the mistakes, because that is the fastest way to help people get better at writing. I explain the method to learners, so they know that pointing out errors is not an option. From the beginning, if any learner starts to make a negative comment about another learner’s work, I nip it in the bud.

Learners Read Their Work

Starting with the first piece of writing, I ask the author to read their piece out loud while the others follow along. Learners have the option to ask me or another learner to read for them, and occasionally they do. I don’t ask for their reasons; it is an option for anyone to take anytime if they like.

I have learned to listen to more than words while the author is reading. I hear sounds of reaction to the writing: a laugh, a sharp intake of breath, a murmur of sympathy, or an “oooh” at something that is cute or sweet. As soon as the learner has read, I comment on any sounds I heard during the reading. Such responses are real feedback, and they signal to the writer that they have successfully engaged the listeners.

How do you decide what to comment on?