Rewriting how we teach writing: Not everyone cares how you feel. | Get Schooled

Rewriting how we teach writing: Not everyone cares how you feel. | Get Schooled:

Rewriting how we teach writing: Not everyone cares how you feel.

by Maureen Downey

Do we teach children how to emote rather than how to explain? (AP Images)

I have judged more than a dozen student writing contests over the years and found that we often rewarded trauma rather than talent. The prize would go to the student writer who survived a house fire or a serious illness. And that was because the writing simply wasn’t strong in any of the entries so we went with pathos.
Many high school and student newspapers today are full of essays and columns rather than news or