Some Thoughts

What makes writing memorable? Is it the conventions? These are the questions Routman reminds teachers and students to ask. While proper conventions are important to help the reader, the inspiration does not come from punctuations. Routman highlights the importance of the impact of words on the reader and the way the language is used (p.239). Lamott also shares in the intrigue of the words in her chapter, Finding Your Voice. “And the truth of your experience can only come through in your own voice. If it is wrapped in someone else’s voice, we readers will feel suspicious...” (p. 199). Combining Routman and Lamott’s views it is easy to see where standardized assessments falls short and where the teacher’s role becomes important in teaching kids about what good writing really means.