Reader response to "Mechanically Inclined" chapters 1 & 2 (Jeff Anderson)

I was reassured to hear that a successful English teacher, now writing a book about grammar and mechanics, was a self-proclaimed "nongrammarian". As I am a pretty avid reader and a fairly good writer, I do not know the definitions to some of the most basic of grammar and mechanics terms. This book seems to be speaking to me personally.

I appreciate the fact that Jeff Anderson introduces himself and his situation, it's something I can readily relate to. This leaves me coming in to the book with a much more open mind. As I'm reading, I see that Anderson says what I've been thinking all along- We know we should not "drill and kill" grammar and mechanics, we should teach them in context - but how do we do that?

Anderson talks about focusing on the most important points- the points that give our students the power to write effectively. He refers to Connors and Lunsford's list of the 20 most common errors found in college students' writing- then modifies it a bit to work for his  middle schoolers. This gives focus to the cause.

An additional point that I really liked is that he aims to "have kids crafting their writing with correct mechanics and grammar without even realizing they are learning them". I have always believed that leading students to discover ideas on their own is the most rewarding, and usually most effective way to teach. This is accomplished through using mentor text to "show, not tell". Here are some mentor texts used by another teaching professional/ blogger, Amy Illingsworth.


At this point, Anderson has me hooked. I am really hoping to be able to use his ideas in my own teaching. We seem to share some foundational beliefs and through his introduction, I know he is speaking from his own experience and is not suggesting an approach that requires unrealistic time and effort.