Focus on Learning

During our Literacy block the students have been learning to use the “Student Friendly Criterion Scales” to assess their Weekly Big Writes.The Student Friendly Criterion Scale is a self-assessment document for use by students to analyse their own writing. The scales start at Foundation Level using pictorial references, whilst Levels 1-5 outline 'I Can' statements that students use to analyse and edit their work – Foundation and Level 2 examples below.  Teachers may also modify the Criterion Scales to suit the writing genre or elements of writing that they have specifically targeted with the students that week – see the modified example below focusing on writing compound and complex sentences.    

Essentially, the day following their Big Write students are paired with a "breakdown buddy". With their breakdown buddy, students at first need to both read ONE piece of writing; this is important. They both read the one piece together, then the person who did not write it gives a positive comment - What Worked Well (WWW) in red and a constructive comment – Even Better If (EBI) in green.                                                                                                  

After they have done this, the students can then go to their student friendly criterion scale and tick (if they achieved it), dot (if they are halfway there) or cross (if no evidence at all) each of the relevant criterion points on their scale. This is also a great time to conference with students about their writing. Future writing goals are then set with the students, which might be something like using at least 3 WOW words in their writing next time. 

Students learn not only where their abilities lie in a fun and engaging way, but also the steps they need to take, in order to continue to improve.