Saturday Sayings: The Cart Before the Horse

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I could be off, but I think it's fairly safe to say that walk into most any elementary classroom and there'll be evidence of daily spelling instruction.  I don't believe the same is true for daily writing instruction.  That's not to say that kids aren't doing any writing, but practicing spelling isn't writing instruction. Practicing grammar isn't writing instruction.  Worksheets aren't writing instruction.  I even have my doubts as to whether integrating writing into other subject areas is considered writing instruction.  Will I walk into any elementary classroom and see evidence of a daily concentrated writing block where kids are learning the craft of writing?  I hate to say it, but I don't believe this is the case like it is for spelling.  Unfortunately, spelling doesn't do writers much good if writing doesn't come first and everyday, for that matter.  How does the saying go?  Put the cart before the horse?   

(By the way, I do teach spelling.  With individualized lists and no tests, it wouldn't be considered traditional spelling by any means.  You can read about it here.)