Writers coach each other to the next level of work

Writers took on the role of a coach with their writing partner today.  They actively listened to their partner read their story and made gentle suggestions on ways to improve that writing.  Students made suggestions by asking questions for more information or by noticing how the writers writing looked (if it was easy to read).  The coaching role is a great opportunity for students to apply listening skills, use all of the information from this writing unit and help their partner see things they may be missing with their own eyes.  They take this job very serious and even through it is difficult to give advice, everyone was successful in doing so.  

Here are some questions they brainstormed about coaching that they could use:
Who was in the story?
Where did this story take place?
Could you add more to your picture so I can see exactly what you are saying?
Are their spaces between your words?
Did you use the word wall? 
What else can you tell me about that story?
What were you thinking when this happened?
What was said?

These questions guided our coaching session.  As you can imagine it is a tough job to be an active listener as well as a thinker to help someone grow as a writer.  They all did an amazing job.  

After they shared advice with each other their job was to go and try the suggestion that was made.  

Later in the week they will meet up again and read their writing to their partners and look for another opportunity to improve their writing.