Transform Student Writing with the Editing Guide: Free & Editable Versions for Every Classroom

We know that feedback is one of the most powerful tools in a teacher’s toolkit — but let’s be honest, getting students to actually use that feedback to improve their writing? That’s a whole different challenge.

That’s where the Editing Guide comes in — a beautifully simple yet powerful teacher resource designed to help you introduce editing symbols in a clear, consistent way that students can understand and apply.

Whether you’re just introducing the concept of editing or looking to level up your existing routines, the Editing Guide is your go-to for boosting writing skills, building confidence, and fostering meaningful revision habits. And best of all? You can grab a free version to get started, or level up with a completely editable version to customise for your class.

What Is the Editing Guide?

The Editing Guide is a visual reference tool that introduces your students to common editing symbols — the ones you'll be using when you give feedback, and that they can also use during peer and self-editing.

Each symbol comes with a simple icon and example sentence, showing students exactly what needs to be changed and why. It's designed for clarity, consistency, and student-friendly language.

Whether you're teaching in Year 1 or Year 6, this guide lays the foundation for independent revision and feedback literacy.

How to Introduce the Editing Guide in Your Classroom

1. Explicitly Teach the Symbols: Go through each one, using the examples provided. Project it or hand it out. Discuss: Why is this important?
2. Model the Process: Take a sample paragraph and edit it in front of the class using the symbols. Let students see your thinking.
3. Use During Feedback: Let students know these are the symbols you’ll use when marking their work — and that they’ll be expected to revise based on this feedback.
4. Peer Editing Practice: Once students are confident, have them edit each other’s work using the same symbols. This builds consistency and sharpens their editorial eye.
5. Make It Routine: Display the guide on a bulletin board or glue it into writing books. Refer to it every time students revise their work.

The editable version allows you to personalise the symbols, change examples, or even adapt for EAL/D learners — perfect for differentiated classrooms.

Ready to Give Your Students an Editing Toolkit They’ll Actually Use?

Whether you choose the Free Editing Guide or upgrade to the Editable Version, you’ll be giving your students a consistent, effective way to engage with feedback and improve their writing — one symbol at a time.