Editing Ed

Are there too many errors in your kiddo's stories? 
Stuff to take out.  Stuff to be added.  When you say it's time to edit their papers do you hear a universal groan that includes the yourself?  I always dread trying to tell the kids that the papers they have labored over need some tweaking.  


They don't want to add.  They think it's just fine.  They don't want to take away.  They think it's just fine.  Even if their story is without punctuation, without capital letters, without juicy words.  They. Think. It's. Just. Fine.  


I knew I needed a plan, a way to get them excited about editing.  What could possibly make them want to see red marks on their papers?  I needed someone to "save the day" but  Captain Capital was already busy capitalizing all of our proper nouns...so I decided he needed a friend...or maybe a relative...in a crazy Cousin Itt kinda way (and no that's not a typo he has two t's in his name - like I said, crazy).  


I needed someone who liked to leave his mark.  


Enter Editing Ed. 

Who can be upset with a wild haired, google-eyed character - even if he is marking up your paper.  And if you are feeling really frazzled (not that writing ever makes me feel that way)  you can give him a few twists and you will feel much better.  I promise.

So...here's a step by step tutorial on how you can make your very own Cousin Itt Editing Ed!

Get yourself some crazy hair, google eyes, and red pens.  Yes that price tag says 24 cents 

(for the whole bag) 

thank-you-very-much Target clearance!

Cut a 4 inch strip.  Make sure you fluff the "hair" up (think 80's big hair bangs that stand straight up - and yes, unfortunately, I am speaking from experience) before you cut so you don't cut off the long pieces.  Ed does not look good sportin' a crew cut.

Glue.

Glue. Roll.

Glue some more.


And now you have a reason to LIKE editing marks!

I like to introduce editing marks and make an anchor chart with the class.  Later in the day, when they are out of the room, I put this note on their desks with Ed attached to the space on the side.  Before they come in I tell them we have a special visitor that has come to help them with editing.  

Click on the picture to download the note.  

The five mistakes are:  ed, together, and i need to be capitalized, yoo is misspelled, and there should be a period after papers. 

  

 Happy editing!