Title – Proofreading Pandemonium

By – Rachel

Primary Subject – Language Arts

Grade Level – 6-12

This lesson focuses on helping students become effective proofreaders (revising and editing) of their own work and the work of others.

Materials needed: a large open space and students’ written work (essays, stories, etc.)

Procedure: I generally use the large locker bank outside my classroom, but you could go outside or to a gym or cafeteria. I use this lesson more than once throughout the year.

I give students a list of things to look for and I put it on chart paper or a white board where it can be seen by everyone at all times. If this isn’t possible, have students copy the list and carry it with them. I tell them they will have 20 minutes to complete this activity. It is independent work.

Students are to read their paper silently as they walk around the open space area. As they encounter things on the list, they must do the accompanying action. If they find they are simply walking and walking without any other actions, they should stop and make a notation in the margin to help them revise later on. The list looks like this:

When you get to a comma, stop and touch your foot out to the side.

When you get to a period or end punctuation, do a deep knee bend.

When you get to a paragraph break, turn and head back the way you came.

When you come across a vivid verb, jump in the air.

If you find a spelling error or a word used incorrectly, say “oops” and stop to mark it.

When you find a simile or metaphor, say “Wow!” and raise your arms over your head.

Obviously, this is not a comprehensive list and it can be adjusted based upon the lessons being taught in your classroom. For example, when we learn in-text citations, I add that to the list and have students wiggle when they get to the parentheses.

With 25+ students doing this all at once, it becomes a flurry of activity with students jumping and “wowing,” but it is really very effective for students at all levels.

This activity is a fun, kinesthetic way to help kids connect with their writing. So often kids just scan their papers and pronounce them finished. This activity forces them to really look for elements of quality writing.

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