Chapter 1 - Simplify the Teaching of Writing

Regie Routman's notion that we must simply the teaching of writing is brilliant! But, sometimes with brilliance comes chaos - - - and often that's how I perceive my classroom when I'm trying to teach writing. Perhaps it's because I'm "shuffling" students between demonstration lessons and writing conferences. Or perhaps it's because I've been teaching writing toward the end of the day and everyone in our classroom is tired. But, I love her statement (pp. 7) that we'll "remain at the mercy of published programs and formulaic mandates until we become knowledgeable about how to teach writing well." Routman's belief that one should teach students to become "effective and joyful writers and communicators" is congruent with mine. Write for the pleasure of writing. Guide students toward a love of language. Teach writing skills when appropriate. Abandon the skills checklist. Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead.