15 Ahas

1. There is a sort of violence in learning. 
2.  When responding to student writing, only focus on one or two global concerns 
3.  Tutoring sessions should begin and end with the students questions and concerns
4. Grammar instruction can cause intense emotions in our students, we need to keep grammar learning low-stakes to prevent negative associations to writing
5. Grammar mistakes are closely tied to language, which is closely tied to cultural identity
6. Conventional grammar rules can confuse students trying to proofread out of context 
7. While not an “aha” per se, I am comfortable with the knowledge that I have conflicting feelings about grammar instruction and language integrity
8. Some groups of students have real tension with academic language 
9. Tensions with academic language occur because of cultural ties to language. We can’t teach writing ignorant of this connection 
10. The cultural ties are laced within bigger power struggles
11. Many of us, in service to our students, play the blame game when we identify issues connected with student learning. Instead of blaming teachers, counselors, etc., we need to collaborate and work together for student success.
12. Re-reading is a simple strategy that benefits everyone in the class. 
13.   Assess only what you teach 
14. Grammar concerns need to be taught rhetorically and in context
15. Most importantly, if you are going to be a teacher, do it for the right reasons: the students!