Welcome to
Reader/Writer
“At times complicated, at times challenging, at times exhilarating, yet always rewarding, participation in this program as a Reader has been for me time well spent.”
-- Paul Schanfield, retired Neurologist
Program Overview
How Reader/Writer Works
1. Students write a personal essay in their English classroom, about 2-3 times each month, using a prompt and with guidance from teachers.
2. Reader/Writer collects writings and mails them to volunteer Readers along with self-addressed, stamped return envelopes.
3. Readers read essays, lightly edit directly on student writing and then respond to content (usually 1-2 paragraphs on a separate sheet of paper).
4. Readers send both student writing and their own responses back to the school in the provided envelopes to be distributed to young Writers.
Who the Students Are
Students, 7th to 11th graders, attend public middle or high schools in Minneapolis. Classrooms include a wide spectrum of students who differ in background, race, skill level and readiness to write, although all qualify for subsidized lunch. About one-third are immigrants or have immigrant parents.
Generally, youth initially find it difficult to come up with something to say and to articulate that once they do. Using proper punctuation and grammar is a needed goal for most. Many experience trauma and food/housing insecurity as a way of life; for these, perhaps particularly, having a real-life audience offers a compelling reason to engage in writing.
What Writing Topics to Expect
Students do their best and most interesting writing when they are allowed to write on topics personally important to them. The challenge for teachers is to embed this freedom within the constraints of the curriculum and other pedagogical structures. Therefore, while you may read interesting accounts of aspects of your student’s life or a passionate opinion piece, you may also read predictable, formulaic essays about a book the class is reading.
What Happens Next
You will be paired with 1-2 students (per your request) and will receive an email with their names and any other pertinent information shortly afterwards. Included in your first mailing of essays will be a short bio of each participating teacher along with the goals for the week’s writing.
Once you receive your essays, edit and respond using the Guidelines as a frame of reference. Please return essays and responses within a few days, if at all possible.
Miscellaneous Notes on R/W’s End
· Due to other curriculum goals, testing, snow days etc., R/W doesn’t follow a set set schedule. We mail when essays are completed.
· In May a gathering will be organized at the school for you to meet your students and vice versa. This is fun and entirely voluntary!
· You’ll receive mostly handwritten essays instead of word-processed ones. This is deliberate as handwriting involves generally a more creative and intimate process for both Writer and Reader.
· Why snail-mail instead of email? A warmer, more immediate experience and relationship unfolds through the medium of mail rather than email. Also, emailing is logistically not a good option.
Miscellaneous Notes for Your End
· Please include in your first response basic information about yourself.
· Most Readers PRINT comments in essay margins and TYPE paragraph responses on a separate sheet of paper to enhance readability.
· When you expect to be out of town, please email Lia so she can tell youth.
· If you’re unsure of how to respond to an essay, email Lia.
· If you’re too busy to read/comment on writings, either write a very short response and mail essays OR let Lia know. We’ll figure out what to do.
Your Main R/W Contact
Email Lia Venchi at liavenchi@readerwriter.org with questions and/or comments.
Thank you for choosing to join the Reader/Writer community!