Conferencing allows students to gain ideas from others that will help them to improve their writing. Peer conferences help these young authors because they are able to get feedback without having to wait for the teacher to become available. Peer conferences can be held during any stage of the writing process and usually occur more than once. However, students do not automatically know how to conduct a conference. Teachers may need to demonstrate these skills in small groups or mini-lessons. A chart on conferencing could include some of the following suggestions:
- Read your writing to a friend.
- Ask your friend
these questions:
- Does my writing make sense?
- What can I do to make my writing more interesting?
- Are my words and sentences in the right order?
- Can I use more interesting words?
- Do I have a good lead and a good ending?
- Do you have any other suggestions or comments about my piece?
- Take notes during the conference of the suggestions made by your friend.
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Funded by the US DOE Native Hawaiian Curriculum, Teacher Training,
and Recruitment Grant
Designed and Developed by:
Ka Lama I, II and III students and R. Pi'ilani Hussey
Ka'aloa and Moku Ka'aloa