How to Begin Peer Review Writing

Peer review exercises in the classroom not only develop a child's confidence, but they also help a lot in the team building skills of young children. Peer review is one of the best ways to encourage teamwork. It is also often considered a very interesting activity in the class. However, some children might shy away from these activities because of the fear of the judgment that their friends will give.

There are certain things that you should teach the children first before conducting the peer review activities in the class. First and foremost, you should teach everyone to respect one another. This activity does not aim to demean the young fellows. Teach the children the importance of respect in life. You can tell them ways through which they can positively criticize the work if they do not like anything about the work that was done by their peers. You should also teach children to not make funny remarks on the work of others as such practices can hurt the sentiments of the child and shatter his confidence forever. Give the children clear guidance on how they comment on the writing of their peers in a constructive way.

The most important thing that children should be taught before beginning peer review writing is the learning of skills that are required for the task. There are three main skills that one should possess for peer review. These include reading skills, writing skills, and collaborating skills.

Reading skills include identifying the main theme of the writing and looking for relevant data to support it. Writing skills include writing specific and clear cut comments on the peer's work. Collaboration skills include telling the critiques in a constructive and non-demeaning way.

Once the children have learned all these qualities, they are ready to practice peer review activities in the class.

Children in the first grade are mature enough to be taught peer review. This time is best to let this activity flourish in the classroom. Children learn a lot from such activities and also find them interesting.

Teach The Basics of Peer Review

Usually, first graders are not experts at the activity of peer review. Some kindergartens use this activity while others do not. It is important that you teach first graders what peer review is from scratch. Teach them what this activity is about and how to do it effectively. Let the children know that they will be reviewing the work of their fellows. They will be able to express their thoughts and opinions on what their peer has written. This would also make children express themselves freely. It would boost their critical thinking.

Before starting the activity, you should let the children know what their responsibility will be. They will not be judging the work of their peers, but only analyze it as readers. This would also be helpful for them in setting individual targets for themselves.

Create a Supportive Environment

A supportive environment is the utmost necessity for a peer review activity. First graders are still young children. They can be sensitive to any harsh judgments. It is important that you create a non-judgmental and non-threatening environment for them. You must make the children understand that they won't be judging the writing. They will only express their opinions on what they think about the writing. Children should not be allowed to pass harsh remarks. If you really want to see progress and success, then make sure that the writing of each is valued. Nobody should be demeaned. Teach children about constructive criticism.