It is important when cultivating a language for writing building wide to provide a situation where many (550 kids) the opportunity to read and make comments on writing. We posted over 100 pieces of writing on the walls of our building. Sticky notes and pens were made accessible. When students went to the restroom or were getting ready to go to lunch they would line up near the writing. At this time they would be quietly reading and writing comments to stick on a piece of writing. It is imperative that they be taught in the writing classroom what is an appropriate comment (I like…, I noticed…, I remembered… etc) before they can leave notes. It is also important that an adult is constantly screening the comments that are left to make sure they are positive. The writers that receive the comments are filled with pride.
I used this form with my class for their recent speeches. It worked really well! It is ...