Saturday Sayings: It's Not Enough

I'm in love with the fact that Calkins said this. In fact, I wish I had said it. I've actually made many mental attempts over the years when listening in on conversations about classroom writing.  Even though Calkins' words sound so simple, I've just never known how to say it so smartly.

There are so many varied examples of what writing looks like in the classroom, and some are not going to enable our writers to achieve their potential, let alone meet the writing standards of the Common Core. I believe Calkins' quote hits on one of the biggest misconceptions out there. 

Writing instruction is intentional. 

Writing instruction is purposeful. 

Writing instruction is strategic. 

Moving each writer from their point A to their point B does not happen by accident. It happens because a teacher instructs, models, confers, celebrates, and nudges...every day.

It's not enough for kids just to write.