1. Before even reading this article, it has been my practice to always comment on something positive before using negative comments. I feel that students need to see that what they have written is positive and then they can absorb the negative comments better. Also I don't comment on all their mistakes but focus in on one or two areas at a time. Next time I focus in on another area that may need work on. This way it is no too overwhelming for the student.

2. I ask the student if he would be willing to read what he/she wrote with another student. Then that person gets to say one thing they liked.