How Creative Writing Can Lead to Academic Success

Most of us can still recall some of the stories, nursery rhymes, and poems we read or heard when we were kids. These simple pieces have a way of sticking with us over time. Attempting to write them can be even more useful during a child’s formative years and can lead to future academic success. Indeed, making creative writing of stories, poems, journals, and letters a part of a child’s education can yield life-long benefits. According to California State University literacy expert Gail E. Tompkins (1), there are several reasons why students should write:

• to entertain
• to foster artistic expression
• to explore the functions and values of writing
• to stimulate imagination
• to clarify thinking
• to search for identity
• to learn to read and write (2)

Here are some activities that can encourage children and adolescents to delve into writing:

Journaling: There is much more to journaling than just the classic “Dear Diary…” Learning and literacy experts have found that journaling can be beneficial for the student who is reluctant to write or speak. The written word can give the shy student a chance to express himself in a way that does not make him nervous or uncomfortable. Similarly, young people who are hesitant to express their needs or problems can use journaling as an outlet. Journaling, even done without strict guidelines, can help students:

• explore and identify emotions
• feel anger
• express fear/relieve anxiety
• examine the pros and cons of something in order to be more decisive
• look more carefully at their thoughts about something after the immediate situation has passed
• gain some insight into their own and other people’s motives
• plan out difficult conversations ahead of time (3)

Stories: Stories are ever present in our lives; we all have one. Writing them down is an effective way to get young people thinking creatively and can even help them in discovering their individuality, identity, and voice. Additionally, the act of writing can positively affect speaking and reading skills. Teacher and journalist Roy Peter Clark adds that writing helps students’ cognitive skills as well: “The writing process gives students a path for clear thinking,” he says. “The act of writing involves understanding the world and yourself. Young writers must think independently and respond to criticism of their work.” Research has also uncovered several psychological benefits than can result from writing. Find out more about that here:

https://www.helpscout.net/blog/benefits-of-writing/

Letters: In a world of texting, hand-written letter writing is certainly a lost art. However, research has shown that the act of writing by hand can promote quite a few physical and mental benefits, from improving learning abilities to fostering a more positive outlook on life (4). Even writing postcards can be beneficial, as it forces kids to say a lot in a little bit of space, helping them to hone their writing and language skills. Perhaps best of all, letter writing requires “unplugging,” which can lend itself to improved focus and attention. Writing letters and postcards can also foster relationships: after all, wouldn’t your grandmother love to get a handwritten letter from you?

Poems and Songs: Reciting and listening to verses, from nursery rhymes to ballads, can provide long-lasting benefits for children. Research has actually shown that “children who struggle with rhymes will more than likely later struggle with reading (5).” Some of the benefits to be gained from learning rhymes and songs at a young age are:

• development of auditory skills
• increased use of imagination and mental imagery
• development of fine motor skills using rhymes and fingerplays
• an instilling of an appreciation for words, rhymes, and language

Creative writing courses are disappearing from schools and this is a shame because there are so many positive take-always that learning, embracing, and practicing writing can provide.

(1) http://www.allynbaconmerrill.com/authors/bio.aspx?a=97f0b12b-b36b-45ba-81be-840a4587e26a
(2) http://www.readingrockets.org/article/teaching-creative-writing
(3) http://kidsactivities.about.com/od/ReadingandWriting/a/The-Benefits-Of-Journaling-For-Kids.htm
(4) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/11/benefits-of-writing-letters-and-postcards_n_6425540.html
(5) https://kindergartenteacherclaire.wordpress.com/2009/07/30/lifelong-benefits-from-learning-nursery-rhymes-and-poetry-at-a-young-age/

Written by Phil Lane

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