The Proofreader’s Toolbox consists of the following components:

• The Teacher’s Guide includes lessons and passages for proofreading practice.
• Preparation boxes list the materials needed for each lesson.
• Blackline masters are provided for all checklists, worksheets, materials for activities, and for transparencies or Smart Board files.
• Student materials in a reproducible blackline master format can be found at the end of each lesson.

The Proofreader’s Toolbox introduces students who will be working in the Writing for Success modules of any level to the proofreading process and to marks used by professional writers and editors. Being an effective proofreader is one of the most essential skills a writer can possess. Students will use the proofreading skills as they work in the conventions/mechanics steps of six traits and the fourth step of the writing process.

There are five lessons in this unit. Each lesson is a cycle of activities that may require one or more class periods to complete. Lessons are divided into parts so you can easily fit a lesson into whatever language/writing period you have in your school. The Proofreader’s Toolbox can be used as an independent component with any writing program or approach to teach students how to proofread. Additionally, the skills taught in The Proofreader’s Toolbox are applicable to each unit of the Writing for Success program.