Start with Celebration

Teaching skills in isolation does not make students writers; neither does teaching to the test. And breaking writing into bits and pieces robs children of the joy of writing." This quote on page 21 stuck with me as I read the second chapter of Writing Essentials. We need to allow ourselves to celebrate writing. It does rob the children of the joy if all we do is focus on conventions. Yes, we need to help the authors in our classrooms become proficient writers, but make sure we don't focus too much on the mechanics. Enjoy writing! Be a writer yourself! I truly believe that if we have students write for authentic audiences and purposes, they will become lifelong writers. As a teacher, that is my main goal!