Kid-tique It!
Every kid lit writer knows the value of a great critique: unique feedback, fresh perspectives, accountability, and motivation are just the beginning of its benefits.
But at the end of the day, it’s not about impressing agents and publishers, winning a writing contest, or joining the next challenge.
It’s about the kids.
So, how can we include them in books we write for them?
In my first grade classroom, this is one of our favorite activities. A tried and true, kid-approved way to mix up the critique --> revision process for us kid lit writers.
Kid-tiquing is ideal for stories that are “query-ready,” (previously critiqued, revised and polished). It’s particularly helpful when something is missing, but you can’t put your finger on it. Kid-tiquing can be done with non-published manuscripts, illustrated stories that are wordless, published books and student-written stories.
Every child should feel valued, empowered, represented, and heard. Especially, in the books we put our hearts and souls into…the books that are for them.
For those not working in education, maybe there are children in your community or family that could participate. You can also channel your inner kid, like author Valerie Bolling and try it for yourself! So, without further ado, here are my…
6 Kid-tique Techniques:
#1: Read the story aloud while hiding the book. Build suspense or excitement by gasping at the page turns. Put on a show and be extra expressive. Read the story without showing words or pictures and observe:
Are the scenes or lines you expected a reaction from, attaining said reaction?
Does the way you read the print/type affect child response? (Ex: Bold words, italics, capital letters, large/small print).
Can students comprehend what is happening without seeing pictures? (Or, if only showing illustrations, can students comprehend what is happening without hearing words?)
What facial expressions are the kids making while listening? Do they look excited? Confused? Bored? Enticed? Note this in your manuscript.
#2: Ask students to show non-verbal hand signals during the read aloud.
(A post on this will be coming soon, with tips for teachers and author school visits. So make sure to subscribe!)
Here are some examples I use…
“Tap your brain if you are confused by something in the story.”
“Raise your hand if you have a question about the story.”
“Show me the I agree sign if this has also happened in your life or you connect with this part of the story.”
“Shrug your shoulders if a word doesn’t make sense.”
“Point to your big smile, if you really like a part.”
“Put your hands over your eyes if a part is too sad or too scary.”
#3: With pure intentions and observant minds, kids will tell it to you straight (if you allow them the “space” to freely express themselves).
Provide sentence stems during the read aloud. Preface by telling the kids that their opinion matters. These books are being written for them and about them.
I provide 3 sentence stems before reading:
“I’m not sure what they meant by ______.”
“I think it would be (funny/cool/better) if _________.”
“I liked it when _____, but what if _____?”
I can’t tell you how many times I've laughed out loud at a manuscript or read a published book and thought, “My class is going to LOVE this!” But, low and behold, not one giggle in the room.
**Tip: Some kids are shy. Encourage them that when something is funny to them, they can laugh as loud as they want!
#4: After reading, ask kids to draw a character or draw a scene the way they imagine it (Without any picture clues). Did how you envision your illustrations match how they envisioned your illustrations?
Do a character analysis, graphic organizer about the character, or make Character Cards like author Josh Funk!
#5: After reading, act out a scene, or the full story.
Small groups, monologues, the world is your oyster. Act with the kids if that’s your jam!
Make it a game and watch scenes come to life. This is particularly helpful when you feel like something is missing from a story.
Ask them to imagine/list…
Props needed (They could bring in from home as an extension activity)
Costumes needed
Music needed (Instruments? Background music?)
Put on a performance, record it to share (with permission, of course) but above all, inspire creativity!
#6: Go beyond the norm of teaching solely about authors and illustrators. Discuss what publishing, marketing and editing is.
Publishing & Marketing during a kid-tique
Create a book jacket
Design a front cover for the book (Illustrating)
Think of new ideas, sequels, or series potential. See Tara Lazar’s post If Kids Could Publish a Book
Do a mock media interview: have students pretend to be the author (even better if it is a book they wrote) and interview each other “on camera”
Create press releases and make lists on how to publicize an upcoming book
Film a commercial for the story
Editing during a kid-tiqueWrite an alternate ending or an alternate beginning
Write a letter to the author about what you would change and what you enjoyed
Discuss unnecessary words, punctuation, grammar, spelling. How would they re-write a page?
Create back matter for the story (teachable moment for researching!)
But more importantly, praise these young creatives for their innovation, strength to speak up, and the future they could have in this industry!
I hope these 6 Kid-tique techniques inspire you to take your story to the next level. If you haven’t signed up already, Kailei Pew is doing an awesome contest this month called the Kids’ Choice KidLit Writing Contest, where your story will be judged by kids themselves!
To all my fabulous writing friends…
I see your critique and I raise you: a kid-tique.
Giveaway Opportunity!
Follow me on Twitter @heyaliciamae, retweet THIS POST & tag a friend to win a Kid-tique! Must have a “query-ready,” picture book manuscript OR a recently published 2021-2022 picture book!