Have you heard about the Author's Chair before? Have you used it in your classroom? Well, I can tell you it is pretty cool! The Author's Chair is a strategy teachers use to help students share their writing with others and get constructive feedback, whether they are still writing or have finished. It is a special chair that is designed and labelled 'The Author's Chair'. Students are given the opportunity to sit on this chair to share their piece of writing with the class. This is a fun activity which allows students to practice giving and getting feedback. They develop important abilities such as public speaking, confidence, communication and collaboration and even additional ideas that can be used in their piece. This is what was done in class that beautiful Friday morning. Our lecturer gave my colleagues the opportunity to present their pieces on the "Author's Chair". The rest of us listened, gave positive comments to encourage the writer and areas for improvement. It was indeed a rewarding moment as I personally identified aspects where I needed to improve such as: staying focused on the assigned topic and using suitable vocabulary and expressions appropriate for my target audience.
I came to realize that this strategy would work really well with my students when going through the writing process. It can be used to give students feedback to help them improve on their writing as well as to publish their writing. Students, I believe will love this activity. Just knowing they will be sitting on the special chair today, gives them a sense of accomplishment, excitement, pride, confidence. They get into the character of being little authors and are willing to make the necessary changes to make their writing an awesome piece. Here are some steps in using the author's chair:
- Choose a special chair.
- Explain how the author's chair will be used whether it is to share their pieces with their classmates or other writing activities.
- Have one child sit on the author's chair at a time.
- Have the student/ author read.
- Invite listeners to comment (commendations first).
- Another child is then chosen.
Here is an example of how a chair can be decorated into an author's chair.
What do you think guys? Pretty cool huh! Do you think you will use this strategy in your classroom? Put your comments in the comment section below.
Rowann you have definitely done it again. You have emphasized its potential to enhance the writing process for students by providing a designated space for sharing work and receiving constructive feedback. The positive impact on skills like public speaking, confidence, communication, and collaboration is well-explained, showcasing how the activity contributes to holistic development beyond just writing. Good job friend keep putting your best foot forward.
ReplyDeleteRowann I already have a picture in my head on how I will design the author's chair for my class. Excited much. I cannot wait for imagination and creativity to take center stage in my classroom.The author's chair is more than a physical seat however it creates a platform for creativity and expression. It helps students find their voice and make their writing come alive while getting support from peers and the teacher.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that after we finish college we can remain close and share ideas on what is working for our students. I will really like to see pictures of you and Kai's author's chairs when you return to the classroom.
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