Continuing Our Discussion

The more we discuss "Hidden Gems" the more I realize that Bomer's ideas have to be only part of the way we grade writing. I believe what she says about praising writers and allowing them to become confident. However, we are not doing our jobs if we do not teach the mechanics of the language. Using her techniques have to be a part of the writing process. I can imagine praising student writing at the beginning of the year to help build confidence. I would also use her techniques at the beginning of the revision process, saving the mechanics and editing for last. Although interesting, Hidden Gems is just a bit too idealistic and not applicable to the academic Language Arts classroom.