The Editing Checklist+

This is the editing checklist I use when working with my 1st graders in writing workshop. The checklist is developed with the children over time and finally, around January, they are using the checklist independently.

Generally, I introduce the items in the order they are typed. We make an Editing Checklist chart on large paper. Then as each skill is taught it is added to the list. We use the checklist chart during writing workshop when I am correcting a piece on the overhead. I model how to use the chart as I edit my piece. Later in the year I begin to distribute copies of the checklist as I work on the overhead. They read the items to me as we go through and edit the piece. Finally, the checklist is and copied and left in a basket. The children must use the checklist before coming to me with any piece for editing. They bring me the piece and the completed checklist.

Enjoy!


Checklist for All Grades:

Editing Checklist

1. Check for name and date. _____

2. I stayed on topic. _____

3. I have a capital at the beginning of my sentences._______

4. I have punctuation at the end of my sentences. (! ? .) _____

5. I have read it out loud to my partner. _____

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I also made up a song to teach some conventions.

To the tune of - If You're Happy and You Know It

How do you start a sentence?
With a capital.
How do you start a sentence?
With a capital.

So if you want to write a sentence
then you better, better, better.
Remember to start it with a capital.

How do you end a sentence?
With a period.
How do you end a sentence?
With a period.

So if you want to write a sentence
then you better, better, better.
Remember to end it with a period.

How do you end a question?
With a question mark.
How do you end a question?
With a question mark.

So if you want to write a question
then you better, better, better.
Remember to end it with a question mark.

I still sing it when we conference :o) I'll sing - How do you end a sentence? They'll say with a period and I'll send them off to check.

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Writing Workshop Mini Lesson Conventions Using CUPS:

At the bottom of the child's writing papers the acronym CUPS is written. After the students write their stories I walk them through a "CUPS".

I say, "Put a C on your paper, go through your sentences and if you have capitals, put a star over the C. If you need capitals, fix them and THEN put the star over the c." (My goal is to make them more aware of correct sentence form, not whether they "did it right" the first time.)

Then I repeat for U (understanding, does your sentences make sense).

Then I repeat for P (punctuation).

Then I repeat for S (Spelling). Ask the kids, "Did you spell the word wall words correctly?" "Or did you write down the sounds you hear in the words?" I make a poster to have in the classroom as a reference. The poster should not be made ahead of time. The class with teacher guidance should make the poster. There will be more buy in if they are included.

C=capitalization

U=understanding

P=punctuation

S=spelling



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We edit each piece of writing by using DOVE. Introduce in the same manner as CUPS.

D= Details in the story

O= Organization (beginning, middle, end)

V= Voice (writer's voice)

E= Excellent sentences and words

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I've used an editing "Helping Hand". Each child traces his/her own hand. From left to right they print R C P S W ...one letter on each finger.

R = Reread
C = Capitals
P = Punctuation
S = Spacing
W = Word Wall

I then laminate their hands and tape them onto their desks (or put them into their writing folder). It's a very visual reminder close at hand...no
pun intended!


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The following was submitted by Anna for inclusion on this page -

I print my editor's checklist on 10 sheets of computer paper because there are 10 items in the checklist, and except for the first week of school, I put up one item a week, and use that item for my writing focus during my mini-lesson. Here are the items on my second-grade list.

Checklist for Second Grade:

1. Put your name and date at the top of your paper.

2. Begin each sentence with a capital letter.

(The above are both put up the first week)

3. Put the correct mark at the end of each sentence.

4. Be sure that your sentence makes sense.

5. Begin proper nouns with capital letters.

6. Be sure that all your sentences go with your topic.

7. Indent the first word in each paragraph.

8. Use describing words to make your story more interesting.

9. Use the correct action word to go with your naming word.

10. Use talking marks to show the exact words your characters say in your sentences.

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Many of these things don't get taught until later in the year!!