I'm getting ready to start individual writing conferences in my classroom. Do you have any pointers for me? Any rotations that work really well for you?

How often do you meet with each student? For how long?

Thanks a bunch for your input!!

[hoosierteacha]

I usually do a quick 2-3 min. conference with each of my kiddos as often as I can. I saw an awesome 6+1 "guru" and she suggested doing group conferences based on whatever trait you happen to be teaching. For the group you have them read a part of their writing and work on that. For my individual conferences, I talk to my kiddos about what they are writing about, give them a compliment to what they are doing well, and try to work on 1 thing to improve their writing. That is generally all they hear and can process anyway. My philosophy is that they need me more often, than more "in-depth". Obviously, you do your full-blow all out editing conference for something that is for a grade or that will be published. Does that make sense?

[ihrtteaching]

I too need to start writing conferences. I saw posted on here a while back the idea of 2 stars and a wish. You tell the students 2 things they did really well and 1 wish you have for them to improve their writing.

I haven't tried this yet but think it's a great idea.

[taeck]

I also got the idea from here and tried it and LOVE it!! We use it all the time during our sharing time during writing...It helps my students think of new goals as well!! I also write them down in my conferencing binder so when I meet with them, I will check on that one wish to help guide my conference...It's amazing what students can pick out from other students writing, yet in many cases, not their own...

[Kermit]

I do individual writing conferences with each student for each piece of writing.

When kids are ready for conferences, I meet with them at a table where I can see the rest of the class. It's worth it to me enough that if kids are done with their writing and waiting for a conference, I allow them to read or sometimes draw while they are waiting. The issue is management.

I can have them edit on their own, or edit with a partner first but it doesn't always work out that I can pair them up or that two partners finish at the same time.

So, we do a few days of just drafting. While drafting, I circulate and comment and give suggestions. When the kids are done with drafting, they edit on their own using a checklist. When they have done that, IF there are good pairings, I can have them partner edit. When they have done those things, THEN I do writer's conferences with them. I only do one conference for each piece. If a child is done, but I am conferencing with someone else, they can read or do free journal writing. Some of my students have disabilities and free writing is NOT something they would choose to do. I also will let some kids draw, because I know just getting the assigned writing pieces done us a total feat.

[Peg2teach]

take ownership of, and be accountable for, what they need to work on before our next conference, I staple a sheet of paper to the inside back of their writing journal. I write down one skill they are to focus on, and give an example if needed. When we meet again, that's the first thing we check. It is the student's responsibility to show me where in their writing they correctly used or implemented the convention, mechanic, or skill. I make a positive comment on the paper to reflect the degree of proficiency the student has achieved. Each time we meet we decide on another item to focus on, which is added to the list.
I also post and use what I call "5-Star Writing". Each "star" represents a basic writing expectation. The particular items can change through the year depending on the overall needs of the class, but I don't change it too often (not more than once a trimester - it's more expanding or adding more depth to the basics, than actually changing). If a student is able to prove the use of the standard in their writing, they get to use a rubber stamp to put a star on their paper. The goal, of course, is to earn all 5 stars during one writing conference. Students who accomplish this are recognized at the end of the reading block, and get to write their name on the 5-Star writing ribbon (a large construction paper winner's ribbon). I put up a new ribbon as needed. These make a great display for Open House.

Good luck with your writing conferences!