How it works
An elementary writing checklist turns "check your work" into things a child can look for one at a time. Each line of the opening sheet starts with I or My and reads as a statement about the student's paper.
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From a kindergarten writing checklist to fifth grade
The younger the child, the shorter the list: the kindergarten sheet keeps to six short lines. First and second grade add one topic and details. The sheet for third to fifth grade splits the work into two passes: Revise first, then Edit.
A student writing checklist the teacher ticks too
One sheet has two boxes on every line, Me and Teacher. The student ticks first and the teacher ticks only where they agree. A line with one tick is the thing to teach next, and the Next time I will line turns it into a goal.
- A long list gets ticked without reading. Take lines off until the ones left are the ones being worked on.
- Keep the checklist inside the writing folder, so it is read before the paper is handed in.
- For practice on one skill, print the capitalization worksheets.
Questions and answers
What should be on an elementary writing checklist?
Only what has been taught and what a child can see on the paper. Capitals, end marks, spaces and spelling come first because each can be checked by pointing. Topic and details join once those are habits.
Is there a writing checklist for kindergarten?
Yes. At this age it is read aloud: the adult reads a line, the child points to where the paper shows it, then ticks the box.
How do students use a writing checklist?
One line at a time, with the finished writing beside it. Read the line, find the proof on the paper, fix what is missing, then tick. Ticking every box first and reading later defeats the point.
What is the difference between revising and editing?
Revising changes the writing itself by adding, removing or rearranging sentences and paragraphs. Editing corrects how it is written down: capitals, punctuation, spelling, indents.