Welcome to Episode 1 of POPCast! What do adolescent writers truly need to know about the conventions of language to read and write? How do we teach them? Do these crucial communication skills require a right-or-wrong approach or one that focuses on meaning and effect? Correction or creation? Limitation or possibility? Memorization or inspiration? And what, pray tell, will inspire middle school students to write pages that spill over with enthusiasm, thought, and authenticity?  The Patterns of Power process creates an environment in which writers study and appreciate the beauty and meaning of grammar and conventions rather than fear and avoid mistakes. Focusing on language’s power to inspire and affect us will generate writers who naturally come to know and use the patterns of the English language. In this episode, hosts Jeff Anderson and Travis Leech discuss an overview of the Patterns of Power process, with following episodes going in-depth into each of the steps of the process. LINKS:  Join the POP Community on Facebook! Patterns of Power: Inviting Adolescent Writers into the Conventions of Language, Grades 6-8 Patterns of Power: Inviting Young Writers into the Conventions of Language, Grades 1-5 Jeff's Twitter Travis's Twitter