WNY Young Writers' Studio

What makes this powerful?
And this?
And this?

For that matter, what makes most persuasive writing powerful?
Story does.

No one has said that narrative writing has jumped the shark. Not even this guy.

More importantly, I don’t think we have the right to take narrative writing away from kids.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for expository writing and engaging kids in the development of argumentative pieces. I agree with David Coleman: we don’t do enough of this kind of writing in schools. But seriously? We don’t do enough of ANY kind of writing in schools. Let’s not kid ourselves there, and let’s not blame narrative writing for that reality. I don’t think anyone at NYSED is. Are they?

I’ve encountered some pretty powerful argumentative writing in my day. Often, these pieces include story.

I’ve read a lot of great stories. Most of them make great arguments.

Genres often blend, and great writers know how to mash them together into something amazing.

Even when they don’t? Any genre can serve a multitude of purposes.

I think powerful writers can tell me stories that persuade me to take some sort of action.

I think powerful writers can strengthen their arguments by putting narrative to work for them.

I know the writers that I teach need permission to do this, and they need my support in learning how.

What do you think?

What are your interpretations of the Common Core Standards?

How do you intend to implement them in service to the children you teach?

Cross-posted at WNY Education Associates

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