Keeping Expressive Writing in our Schools

How many of us realize that more and more teenagers are graduating without properly developing their ability to write – to put their thoughts on paper? Is it even worth noticing? I fear schools are putting less time than ever into training students to use expressive writing to voice their opinions and ideas. This type of writing is simply too valuable to give up! Fortunately, practical steps can be taken to address this issue. First, let’s take a look at what happens early on in a child’s schooling.

In elementary school, students are very much encouraged to write freely. Going to OES, I personally was drawn into writing by the school’s zeal for all things literacy. But as grade seven began to come to a close and high school began, the emphasis on creative writing lessened. Do we wrongly conclude that students will continue to nurture this invaluable skill themselves?

We must come to see that expressive writing plays a major role in maintaining one’s creativity, self-expression, and even their self-esteem. A person, through writing, learns to be able to express themselves more clearly and better employ logic. Another simple observation is that a student who has put effort into an opinionated piece of writing can be proud of their work. Yes, a great deal of a person’s character is found in their writing. Should the curriculum, therefore, really have this tool of expression fade into the background as the student ages? Perhaps we should stop to think about these things.

There are practical steps we can take to address this. First, we start with elementary schools. They already do a great job of getting students to express themselves with the pen (I know mine did!). But we should keep this attitude strong through grade seven so the students are ready to continue in grade eight. One problem I see in high school is that expressive writing is restrained to English class. The only writing found in other classes is the regurgitation of facts. Allow students to give their opinion in math, history and science; it naturally follows that the students will see the value and practicality of giving it.

I say this not just because I am passionate for writing, but because I firmly believe that writing is not just another subject, but a key to all other subjects and areas of life.

Imagine a multitude of graduates giving educated opinions on politics, giving the area fresh voices.

Imagine young adults interpreting history for themselves and telling others how humanity can learn from it.

It may sound far-fetched, but if we invest time teaching students that when they formally express their opinions, they will find adults eager to listen, great things will be possible.

But this all has to begin right in our schools.