ABSTRACT
One of the goals of writing clubs is to teach students to offer helpful feedback so that every child can become a confident and effective writer. This goal seems lofty—offering feedback that lifts the writer up and, at the same time, helps them grow can be challenging for teachers and students alike. Creating a classroom community is one the most vital aspects of teaching. Now that we have established some whole-class structures and ways to get to know each other as people and as writers, we are ready to begin collaborations. Noticing writing craft begins with teaching students to pay attention to their reactions while they read. Clubs are built on the bedrock of partner work. Therefore, like partnerships, clubs require a protocol for providing feedback. Teaching students how to talk to peers and how to talk about text has laid the foundation for creating successful writing clubs throughout the year.
