Writing Groups Goal: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.

Where I’m from poems Goal: to work on editing & revising your poems.

You Will Need: Your complete rough draft A pen 2 pieces of notebook paper torn in half Write your name on each piece of the 4 pieces of paper, and then distribute the papers so each member of your group has a piece of paper with your name on it – you may have extra, and that’s ok. Every group member should do this. You should now have 3 pieces of paper with each group member’s name at the top.

About Writing Groups... The idea of writing groups was created by Peter Elbow, a noted writing teacher who believes that students are themselves are really good editors and are very capable of their own revisions. Here’s how the process works…

Writing Groups – how it works 5. After the person has read his/her paper aloud the second time, the other group members begin giving feedback. Give the feedback in this manner: what is working, what needs work, and any questions you may have. DO NOT revise the paper for the reader. 6. The reader writes down comments as the group members give their feedback. 7. This process occurs for each member of the group. 1. One person reads his/her paper aloud. Each person MUST read his/her paper aloud, because we hear our own words differently. 2. The other members of the group listen to the entire paper. They only listen. 3. The same person reads his/her paper aloud AGAIN. 4. This time the group members take notes as the person reads. The notes are taken in a +, -, ? manner.

Sample Note Sheet + - ? I really liked how you included vivid descriptions in your poem. I think there are some parts where you are too literal. For example, you say I am from Kansas, when you could say… I wasn’t sure what you meant by line # _____, could you provide a little more context for this specific example?

Some things to think about… Do not qualify or explain your work. Your writing must stand for itself. Be an active listener. This is sensitive and challenging to read your work aloud to others. Be kind, patient, and helpful to each other. Make sure to give specific feedback – saying a story is “good” is nice, but not helpful. If your group finishes early you should quietly work on revising and editing your stories, and preparing your final drafts. Final Drafts of “Where I’m From” poems are due on Monday, 9/18.