Original Thought
I was on a podcast a while ago talking about being an author. I got asked what my favorite experience is when teaching writing.
It’s this: seeing kids discover that they have thoughts, stories and ideas that DESERVE to be in writing and then to be read. THIS is the gift we can give our children—school won’t give it. It’s up to you! You are your children’s biggest fan—get to know what lives in their minds, please!
Freedom to Explore
Every one of us has original thoughts that deserve sunlight! Our children think best when they are given the freedom to explore their thoughts in writing.
So many of us have been wounded by teachers who put more emphasis on the “right” thoughts or the “correct” grammar rather than helping each of us to think deeply, putting those precious thoughts into writing.
I talk a lot about critical thinking. Honestly: the first step in thinking well is to develop the habit of reading your own thoughts in writing! My book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing, is for every parent who wants to grow not only a writer, but a thoughtful thinker too.
