Since the 2019-2020 school year marks the 10th
Anniversary of this blog, on Fridays, I’m resurrecting and updating old posts
that sparked a lot of conversation or that still have a lot to offer people
teaching or writing nonfiction. Today’s essay originally appeared on October
14, 2009.
I know lots of things. I know how to make my
husband a sandwich just the way he likes it. I know how to wash windows so they
don’t streak and how to make “hospital corners” when I change the sheets on a
bed. I even know how to clean a toilet and sort my trash properly at the
transfer station (a.k.a. the dump).
husband a sandwich just the way he likes it. I know how to wash windows so they
don’t streak and how to make “hospital corners” when I change the sheets on a
bed. I even know how to clean a toilet and sort my trash properly at the
transfer station (a.k.a. the dump).
But I certainly don’t want to write a book about any of these chores. I’d be
bored, and so would my readers.
bored, and so would my readers.
That’s why it really bugs me when teachers tell kids to write what they know. I
write books about science because I love it. I am passionate about the natural
world, and I want to share its wonders with children. Look at your favorite
book, the best piece of writing you can think of, and I guarantee you’ll see
the author’s passion shining through. It’s what fuels great writing.
write books about science because I love it. I am passionate about the natural
world, and I want to share its wonders with children. Look at your favorite
book, the best piece of writing you can think of, and I guarantee you’ll see
the author’s passion shining through. It’s what fuels great writing.
That’s why I tell kids to write
what they care about. This generates descriptions of fire
trucks and reports about Barbie dolls and BMX racing. Now I couldn’t care less
about any of these topics, but I do care about teaching kids to enjoy writing.
And I want them find ways to communicate ideas successfully.
what they care about. This generates descriptions of fire
trucks and reports about Barbie dolls and BMX racing. Now I couldn’t care less
about any of these topics, but I do care about teaching kids to enjoy writing.
And I want them find ways to communicate ideas successfully.
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Topics
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34 Comments
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31 Comments
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27 Comments
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25 Comments
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18 Comments
2 Responses
I love this post. I feel exactly the same way. I write about what I'm interested in, and I learn so much. Thank you!
Hear-hear!!