Celebrating Student Writing

 

"If it is worth learning, it is worth celebrating." I have always believed in celebrating students in big and small ways. I recently listened to This Teacher Life Podcast by Monica Genta and in her episode, she said, "In schools we need more clapping than criticizing." This made me think about what are we doing to celebrate students on a regular basis. 

As a language arts teacher, I love to celebrate student's writing. Writing is not always a preferred subject, so I like to celebrate it even more. 

Here are a few easy ways to CELEBRATE student writing...

1. Author's Chair- Almost every day, a few students get to share their writing in the Author's Chair. This idea is from Brian Kissel. We always give a compliment or two and then the author gets to pick the other feedback they receive. Click here for a copy of the Author's Chair slide.

2. "Be a Writing Thief" Anchor Chart- As students share during Author's Chair and the class hears amazing lines from their peers' writing, we add it to our Be a Writing Thief Anchor Chart. There is no better compliment than your writing being on display as a model for others. 

3. The Golden "H" award- Like the Newbery Award, but because I'm Mrs. Hartzler it was the Golden H in my classroom. You can call it whatever you want. I bought a wooden H and spray-painted it gold. At the end of each unit, I would pick 2 boys and 2 girls to receive this "prestigious" award. They would get a certificate, take a picture with the Golden H, and then I would email the picture home and brag on them. Click here to grab a copy of the certificate. 

                                           

4. Pennants- Create a pennant that students can take a picture with or even take home. Celebrate that they are an AUTHOR. I always tell my students words are so important, and their words can tell their story and change the world. Click here to grab the template for the pennant. Edit it to say whatever you want it to say. 

 Let's clap loud and celebrate our students!