Writing: Throw a Publishing Party

Create an Audience
When students write in their journals, the writing is just for them (and you) to read. When it’s time to select a piece to publish (revise, edit and create a finished product), construct an audience. Tell students when they begin working on their selections that there will be a publishing celebration during which they will read their work aloud. Invite parents, other teachers and the principal.  Of course, this serves to build community and involve parents. But it is also important for the writing process itself. It gives them another reason to do their very best work.

Set the Mood
Count down the days until the party. Make invitations and decorations; plan to have snacks for the guests. Have a plan for how you will greet your guests and where they will sit. In other words, make it a big deal. Decorate the “stage” for the presenters.  If you have access to a video camera, record the presentations and show it to the class later.

Define the Writing Cycle
Setting a date for a publishing celebration defines an absolute ending point to the editing process. Some kids don’t need this; they can complete the process easily. Other students have trouble getting through the drafting and the editing. These kids tend to have many “almost finished” drafts.  The party pushes them to finish a piece so they can participate. If your students are very independent in their writing, and are all in different stages of the editing process, they can choose a favorite piece to read at the celebration.

Stage Fright
Even the most outgoing kids can get nervous reading in front of an audience. You’ll want to practice this skill by letting them read in front of the class several times before the party. Encourage them to give it a try, but don’t ever force someone to present if they are too nervous. If a student decides to back out at the last moment, ask if they would like you to read the piece aloud instead.

Display the Published Pieces
Create a special area in your classroom to display the completed pieces. Allow students to check them out, just like the other books. Plan to have publishing parties at the end of each unit of study (poetry, non-fiction, etc). Each published piece can then be added to the student’s writing portfolio.