Writing Conferences

Common Definition: The teacher meets with students individually to differentiate instruction for individuals while also providing the teacher with important information about each writer.

Benefits: Students receive real time descriptive feedback from the teacher to assist students with their writing development. The teacher scaffolds students as writers and help them understand their writing areas for development and strengths.

When: The teacher should meet with a couple of students daily during the writing block.

Assessment: Anecdotal notes-conferring focus areas might include

• Where is the writer in the writing process?
• What does the reader have to say about his/her writing?
• What problems are the writer experiencing?
• How is the student applying taught skills and strategies

Teacher Actions

• Engage students in academic conversations by asking them to communicate what they are doing as writers
• Ask questions to probe student thinking and reflection about their writing
• Listen actively
• Take anecdotal notes and provide timely descriptive feedback

Student Actions

• Share and explain their writing with the teacher
• Ask and answer questions while actively participating in conversations about their writing
• Discuss the meaning of their writing and identify areas of strength and improvement