Pulling examples is a huge time sink. Not only in deciding which ones to put in front of the students’ eyes, but also in formatting (gigantic concern), copying, designing a clear way to get the task done (use different fonts for each sample). Hopefully well worth it, though.

I find it easier to simply pick one period to pull all samples from. It’s too overwhelming otherwise. “All of these samples today come from sixth period. I’ll pull samples from your writing next time.” Just wait till you get to sixth period ’cause they’re all crazed about whose writing they are looking at. And be sure you pick fairly middle of the road samples, nothing from the 90-100% pile and nothing from the 50% pile. Pull from the 70-80% pile and you’ll be glad you did. Students will, too, because that writing is easier to imitate and seems within reach, quite often.

Thanks for the repost, Dan. I’ll put all these ideas and more into my follow up.