Yesterday, I posted a fictional story I crafted along with my students in the style of Leo Leonni.
I put myself in the hot seat and let the kids do a “table read” of my work. I sat to the side with and zipped my lip while they read and discussed my story.
I wasn’t sure what sort of errors they’d find, or how they’d feel about picking apart a teacher’s work. But lo and behold, their conversation was as insightful and helpful as I’d expect them to be for each other. And boy oh boy, I have a deeper understanding of just how brave and trusting my students are when I ask them to share their work.
There’s a lot to work on here, but I’m heartened to know that some of my jokes and craft moves hit home.
Time to get revising!
Thanks, as always, for the Two Writing Teachers March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Check ’em out!
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
Wow! What a great writing/revising experience.
Thanks! It was both humbling and exciting.
Students are not shy about commenting on their teacher’s work once they get started. This is a great learning experience for them. Lots of constructive criticism here.
Yes, there was! And just like my students, I get my choice as to what I incorporate and what parts of my work I’ll let stand. We’ll see!
Thanks for directing me back here, Lainie, to find out what your students did! They ARE good at this!! I especially liked their insight that we should know how the dogs are feeling about this, and wondering if they should have more vicious names! (Very Dickensian, that.)