Writing Skills

            When I first read the headliner to this link I thought “oh my gosh, everyone is a bad writer.” I felt as though this link was very specific and granted I know that there are some main qualities that a good writer should have but I felt like this was too specific. For example the first section titled “Ideas” came off a little too strong like when they used the word garbled which to some may seem offensive. But I then I think from the other side of this and say to myself well I guess a child’s writing should be clear and concise but I do not think that every time a child’s writing is “garbled” it does not mean that they are bad at having good ideas for their writing. Also there is a part where the Ideas section says “The writer chooses details that are interesting, important, and informative–often the kinds of details the reader would not normally anticipate or predict.” I think that for a child that can be confusing because most times writing is subjective. I think instead we should teach children to know who their audience is and write according to their audience because what is interesting so a certain audience may not be interesting to another.

            Other than the things I have mentioned I agree with everything else on the link. Every good writing piece should have organization because being organized makes your idea clear and your piece flow in a way in which it is understandable. Although I still think when the word garbled is a bit brutal. When it comes to teaching young children how to write I think of what Christensen says when she talks about pointing out all the good things in a child’s writer so that when it comes to bettering their skills they understand that they have potential to be skilled writers. When it comes to word choice I think that it goes hand-in-hand with the audience. For example if I am writing a poem for young adults I would put in some words or some references that appeal to them.

            Overall I think this link has a good set of skills every good writer should have. Of course there are things that need to be considered when teaching children how to write. Teachers should keep in mind that every child thinks differently and every child has a different voice. I agree with Christensen when she talks about voice and skills. Teachers should not confuse the different voices in writing with skills. Teaching children how to write takes time and patience. I think of Gallagher when he says that as a teacher you should not expect to make a perfect writer but expect to help them make progress.