A reader has asked me, when I mark a student’s writing, why do I put light boxes or highlights around the text rather than crossing it out?
Here’s why: I try to put myself in my student’s shoes. If 12-year-old me saw parts of my writing crossed out by my teacher, how would I feel? Pretty down, I suspect. And on the defensive.
But if I saw my writing with a box around it, the words still visible, I might wonder why the teacher did that. Maybe it was great writing! Maybe not, but maybe something about the writing needed to be discussed. I would feel open to hearing what the teacher would say about my writing. I wouldn’t be on the defensive as I might if the writing were crossed out.
When a student’s text is highlighted or boxed (because I think it should be deleted), I usually suggest it be moved to the end of the passage where it stays intact. The student can read the passage without the boxed part. If the student disagrees with my judgment, he or she can always put the boxed part back or can put part of it back or put it elsewhere.
As a longtime writer, I have had many editors and first readers suggest deleting phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. Once a first reader I respected suggested I delete the first 37 pages of a story I was writing. I know such suggestions are meant to improve my writing, so I listen and consider carefully what my readers suggest.
But student writers haven’t had years of feedback. They might not trust my opinion. So I want my markings to be as benign as possible to encourage students to listen with open minds to my revision suggestions.
English Writing Teacher 