Patty McGee on How to Teach Writing Without Crushing Confidence – The Writing Coach Ep. 223

In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I'm joined by Patty McGee, a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, and educator who is passionate about transforming classrooms into spaces where language and learning come alive. With decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and advocate for joyful, practical literacy instruction, Patty has worked alongside educators across the country to help unlock the potential of their students. She is also the author of three books, including her newest release, Not Your Granny's Grammar. In our conversation, Patty and I explore what it really means to help writers grow. We talk about the kind of feedback that builds confidence instead of crushing it, the connection between grammar and voice, the importance of revision, and why so many writers carry lasting scars from being corrected rather than truly taught. We also dig into the challenge of teaching writing in online spaces, the role of play and inquiry in learning grammar, and how writers can protect their authentic voice in the age of AI. Whether you're a teacher, a writing coach, a parent, or a writer trying to strengthen your craft without losing your humanity on the page, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom. In this conversation, we cover: how to give feedback that helps writers improve without discouraging them why revision is essential to strong writing the relationship between grammar, voice, and artistic choice what teachers and coaches can learn from effective classroom practice how to make online writing instruction more engaging and human why a playful, inquiry-based approach to grammar can be so powerful how to think about AI without surrendering your voice as a writer Check out the episode now!