Same Writing › Sentences and editing › Self-check lists: COPS
What is a COPS checklist?
COPS is a checklist kids use to edit their own writing before turning it in: Capitals, Organization (or Overall appearance), Punctuation and Spelling. They check one letter at a time and tick each box.
- One letter at a time: reread for each one.
- Tick the box when it's checked.
- Kids are the “cops” who catch the mistakes.
Why schools teach it
It builds the habit of checking your own work
Kids are expected to use capitals, punctuation and spelling correctly (L.3.2) and to edit with guidance (W.3.5). A checklist gives that guidance even when the teacher isn't there.
Checking for one thing at a time catches far more mistakes than one quick read.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
Let's be the COPS. Start with C.
Does every sentence start with a capital? Names too?
CapitalsIs it neat and in order?
OrganizationDoes every sentence end with a mark?
Punctuation
Skip this
- Circling every mistake yourself.Tell them how many to find: “There are 3 capital mistakes here.”
- Checking everything in one read.Reread once for each letter.
- Using spell check only.It misses words that are spelled right but wrong, like their/there.
See it in action
Checking “my dog max likes to run he is fast”
C: capitals
My dog Max likes to run he is fastP: punctuation
My dog Max likes to run. He is fast.O and S
In order ✓ · spelling ✓
Older classes swap COPS for CUPS, where U means usage (grammar).
Free practice sheet
Make a COPS checklist sheet
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Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
What does the O stand for?
Organization in some classes, Overall appearance in others: neat handwriting, spacing and margins.
What age is COPS for?
Usually grades 1–4. Older grades often switch to CUPS or a longer checklist.
Should I mark every mistake?
Tell your child how many to find of each kind. Searching builds the skill.
Where do I get a COPS checklist?
Teachers often send one home. The practice sheet includes one.