Falk article by Geri

This is the second article I read that referenced Moffett.  Like Emig, Falk says that language acquisition is a natural thing.  In class we've discussed that writing instruction is linear, whereas thinking and actually writing is not necessarily linear; we need to know what literacy skills students come in with and the way in which they learn best. We've said that teaching 'process' is not always effective or good practice. In Falk, she clearly states that the formal study of grammar has little to no positive effect in improving students' writing.  She believes the way my father did that a great many English teachers killed off any desire or ability to write in a great many talented students. I know I should spend the time writing instead of teaching transitive versus intransitive verbs, but I also know that grammar is required for me to teach and that I will continue to do so. That said,  I will make a concerted effort to give more time to writing and less time to direct objects. Falk's article seems so obvious, so intuitive and I want to say, "Duh", but I realize that she is an authority and these things must be written by one with credibilty for the world to read. My favorite part is the validation that children and adults should be allowed to make errors because that is the only way one can develop and truly learn, and no one should be punished or discouraged when they do make errors. This was a powerful, clearly written piece.