The Art of Teaching Writing Kathleen Rockwell

By Lucy McCormick Calkins Report #4

This author, Lucy McCormick, has put together a very thorough compilation of all the aspects of teaching writing in a very warm and personal style.

Lucy's view on writing is that it does not begin in the struggle to put something big into print; rather it begins in living with a sense of awareness in our daily lives. Being taken by something that someone else would walk by. Being an artist every single day of one's life. She says we cannot teach writing unless we trust that there are real, human reasons to write. By the same token, she believes that when students become deeply involved in their writing, they don't need motivating activities.

Adolescents, especially, very much need to write about the poignant, turbulent events of their lives. Lucy suggests that to develop the kind of wide-awakeness that is fundamental to the writing life, we need to write often. Jotting down things we notice and think about, our memories and ideas, favorite words and responses into a container of some sort can be a helpful habit to start. I think what I enjoyed most about her book is her delightful portrayal of the importance of a journal. A well worn, well traveled journal that you wouldn't think of leaving behind. I have just that sort of book but now I am encouraged to use it more.