You should be cordial.
You should give compliments.
You should try to keep the conversation going.
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| What comment would you make about this picture? |
Not finding anything in my own files for elementary students, I came up with the following guidelines.
Compliment
If you are taking the time to write a comment, there must be a reason. Give the author a boost and tell them what caught your attention.
Connection (if possible)
Just like in reading, show a connection from the post to yourself or from another comment in the thread to yourself.
Ask questions in your writing
Conversations are like playing catch with a baseball. The game ends quickly if you don't throw it back. A question is how you can do that in your comments.
Think before you post.
Ask yourself, is this something I want my parents, teachers, friends, strangers to see? What are the consequences if you post this?
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Browsing through my files I found this gem from a friend sent to me a few years ago. I really like the one about proofreading and I think I will add that to what I give my students.
Make a compliment
Add new information
Make a connection
End with a question
Proofread your comment