Editing and Improving Writing
To develop self-editing skills and the understanding that writing can be improved through revision.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Rereads own writing
- Uses editing checklist
- Makes corrections independently
- Adds detail when editing
Materials
- Editing checklists
- Coloured editing pencils
- Writing just completed
- Editing partner system
Instructions
Create a simple editing checklist with symbols: ✓ Capital letter at start? ✓ Full stop at end? ✓ Finger spaces? ✓ Does it make sense? ✓ Can I add a wow word?
Model editing your own writing: 'Let me read my sentence back... The dog runned to the park. Hmm — does 'runned' sound right? I think it should be 'ran'. The dog ran to the park. Better!'
Teach 'read it back' as a habit: 'Every time you finish writing, read it back to yourself. Put your finger under each word. Does it make sense? Did you miss any words?'
Introduce 'editing partners': pairs read each other's writing and give feedback. 'Tell your partner one thing they did well, and one thing they could check.' Peer feedback builds community.
Use a special coloured pencil for edits (purple = editing pencil). 'When you find something to change, use your purple pencil. Editing marks show that you're improving your writing!'
Celebrate editing: 'Look — Maya went back and added a full stop she missed. That's what REAL writers do — they always edit!' Normalise revision as part of writing, not correction of mistakes.