The Eigth Right of Every Writer-The Right to Go Beyond Formula

When I first looked at the title to this right I was unsure what the chapter would be about. I think of formulas in math, not in writing, but after reading this chapter I understand and agree with this right for my students.

So often we believe that good writing must contain all the elements and be organized in the exact manner that has been taught, but all too often some of the most enjoyable writing from my students to read may not look like it is "good writing". This "bad writing" in appearance is actually phenomenal because of the content. The purpose of writing is for others to read what you have decided to say. Reading an organized five paragraph essay can be much less entertaining than reading a students unorganized, personal journal entry that provides a window to their personality and their life. This type of writing is also probably more enjoyable for students to compose and share. Students trying to fit into a perscriped formula feel pressure to fit within the boundaires, losing the freedom to express themselves and experiment with new ideas. Instead of drilling a formula for writing into our students heads, we should encourage the relevancy of their writing, the support the students provide within their writing, and the originality their writing expresses.

Another purpose for writing is to challenge the mind, to inspire thinking. Restricting students to a formula prohibits this thinking.

Writing and reading are interdependent skills. Writing helps students become better readers because they practice reading as they assess their own creations. Reading helps students become better writers because it provides examples of good writing.

Asking students to plug writing into a formula provides students with a crutch. It makes writing appear simplistic and unimportant. Writing is contrary to being simplistic. Writing inspires thinking, creativity, and independence. It teaches students to be problem solvers, and it helps them build confidence by learning about themselves.