in their work by pointing out what is valuable about it and emphasizing how each draft represents an improvement on the previous one. That teacher guides students to understand that good writing requires the time to re-read, edit, and re-write their work, as contrasted with the “on-demand writing” that is taught in most schools.
self expression, which helps young people relieve the stresses of navigating a complex, difficult world. It would be best if, in addition to the other meanings, being a good writer meant enjoying the art and craft of writing, because that is essential to future success. Rarely, do parents conceive of their students as future authors of important, influential works— which is surprising, because some will be. It is far easier to imagine one’s child as a future football play- er in the National Football League, a star ballerina in the American Ballet Theatre, or a solo pianist at Carnegie Hall, though a child has a much higher probability of being a successful novelist, how-to author, journalist, or consultant as a result of out- standing writing skills. Writing is a skill-based activity that requires both specific skills and the motivation to improve them. In that sense, it is analogous to learning to play soccer, where everyone—from five-year-olds starting to play the game to World Cup-class players—must continue to practice dribbling, passing, and shooting. It is important for beginners to experience the pleasure of playing soccer games so that they enjoy what they are doing and have a desire to improve. Good players never stop wanting to be better. Rather than focus on the errors in student writing, a successful writing teacher helps students take pride
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