Writing Checklist (Student)
Blank success-criteria tick frame.
The Student Writing Checklist is a blank success-criteria tick frame that puts the learning goals for a writing task directly in the student's hands. Unlike a pre-printed rubric, this template ships empty so that teachers and students can co-construct the criteria together at the start of a unit — a practice shown to improve ownership and writing quality across grades 1 through 8. The tick-box layout prompts students to evaluate their own draft before submitting, answering the fundamental question: 'Have I done everything I set out to do?' Parents doing home writing practice can use it equally well by listing a handful of expectations the child understands, then letting the child tick off each one. The format works for any genre — narrative, persuasive, informational, or poetry — and can be reused term after term simply by printing a new blank copy.
Learning objectives
- Clarify writing expectations before drafting begins
- Develop student ownership through co-constructed success criteria
- Encourage self-assessment and reflective revision
- Give teachers a snapshot of student self-perception before marking
- Scaffold independent writing without over-directing content
- Apply to any genre or assignment type across grades 1–8
How to use this template
- Before the writing task, discuss with students what a strong piece will include, then jointly agree on 5–8 success criteria.
- Print the blank template and have students (or the teacher) write each criterion in the rows provided.
- During drafting or after a first draft, students re-read their work and tick each criterion they believe they have met.
- Use unticked rows as revision targets — students return to those areas before final submission.
- Attach the completed checklist to the finished piece for teacher review and formative feedback.
Classroom & home ideas
- Display the class-agreed criteria on the board and have each student fill in their own copy at the start of the writing block.
- In peer-review pairs, one partner reads the draft while the other holds the checklist and marks which criteria are clearly visible.
- After marking, return the checklist with teacher annotations next to each tick to highlight what was effective or still developing.
- Use the same criteria sheet across a whole unit so students can track growth from first to final draft.
- At home, parents read the criteria aloud while their child points to evidence in the writing, turning the checklist into a low-pressure conversation.
Skills & curriculum links
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the Editing and Proofreading Checklist?
This template focuses on content, structure, and writing craft (what the piece says and how it is organised), while the proofreading checklist targets surface-level mechanics like spelling and punctuation.
How many criteria rows does the template include?
The blank frame has space for approximately 6–10 criteria, which is enough for most writing assignments from grades 1 through 8.
Can lower primary students use this template?
Yes. For grades 1–2, keep criteria simple and visual, such as 'I drew a picture to go with my writing' or 'I used a capital letter to start.' The blank rows make it easy to pitch criteria at the right level.
Should students fill this in before or after writing?
Filling in the criteria together before writing sets clear targets. Students then return to the checklist after their first draft to self-assess and revise before the final submission.
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