Author's Chair

Author’s Chair is another feature of writing process that was very popular at our writing camp. Again, this is one activity that did not find favour in our Singaporean classrooms because of the lack of time and the large class size. Another possible reason is that the culture for such an activity is missing.

But I am again surprised at how the students at the camp adopted this activity and took to it like ducks to water. On the first day, we had to ask a few children to share their writing but on the second day, students were signing up on the board to read their pieces. On the third day, there was a scramble to take up the six slots offered for Author’s Chair. Regretfully, we did not have time for Author’s Chair on the fourth day, although the older children did get to share their writing with their parents on the last day.  The primary children published their pieces instead.

What is Author’s Chair?

Author’s Chair is the final step in the writing process where writers who have completed their writing or are happy with their pieces are invited to share their writing by reading it aloud.  It is an opportunity to receive feedback from peers and for peers to respond to what has been written. A special chair is usually set aside for this occasion. We used a tall chair, placed in the centre of the classroom.

Author’s Chair helps child writers to develop the concept of authorship and to affirm their writing and their ideas.  It also encourages collaborative learning and sharing. Author’s Chair is a motivating activity for students, as I can well testify, and it encourages students to want to write more and to write for a real audience.  Peers who are listening learn to listen attentively and to show their appreciation for their friend’s writing. Although we did not ask our students to give feedback, this step can well be added to the routine once students are used to the activity and feel a sense of belonging to the community.  We encouraged all our students to show their appreciation for the sharing by clapping.

I am convinced that Author’s Chair is one activity that will fit well into our STELLAR classrooms. After all, the best time to begin such an activity is when students are young and not too self conscious. Yet, I must emphasise that a safe classroom culture is significant so that potential writers are not discouraged by the reaction of their peers.  I was very gratified by the positive response students gave to Author’s Chair and once again, it showed me that most students (and not just the bright ones or the good writers) are keen to share their work and interested in their peers’ reactions to their work.

A final thought for those of you thinking of doing this in class. You may not want your students to share the complete story. Reading a short extract, their favourite line or lines, or what they think is most interesting will be adequate. This will also help you to include more students in the activity. Like all activities, don’t let it drag on and on. Always stop early to keep them hungry for more the next time!