What is the value of writing in an age dominated by digital communication and why do students still need to write in forms such as short stories, poetry and essays? These are important questions for 21st century learners and society.
Writing has changed. Contexts and ways of writing have developed over time. The majority of writing that people read is now: Global (which results in a wider more diverse audience), digital, instantaneous, competitive and influenced by the rise of social media and the decline in mass media.
Now as always, writing helps us become critical thinkers. Through writing analytically, we learn to question norms – norms of society, the media, social media, advertising and opinions. Creative writing allows us to increase our imagination and vocabulary and expand our horizons. We are able to think beyond the obvious and possibly broaden our dreams and life’s possibilities. Students should also able to write collaboratively. The photo is of students in Stage 6 writing collaboratively and creatively using an image as a stimulus.
At times our students will write for pleasure. They often ask, “Would you please read my poem?” or “Would you look at this story and tell me what you think?” As teachers we can become very excited by these spontaneous writing experiences so please encourage your child to write for pleasure!
Two students who love to write are Seb Waugh (Stage 5 ) who recently entered a creative writing competition and will eventually see his work published. Congratulations Seb! Alex Palasty (Stage 6) is developing his own creative writing style for the HSC but also writes poetry for pleasure. Here is one of his poems:
Great work Alex!
The End
The clock struck two, three and four
Until it was silent and there was no more.
The cold winter breeze flew through her hair
Hiding her sad look of despair.
The flickering lights which passed her by
Made her fear the dark night sky.
When she stumbled upon the shore
After hours of walking, what was it for?
To see the sunrise in all of its grace
And to think about how life moves at pace
In a race, which all men and women must face.
But sometimes it’s hard to comprehend
The journey that we go through right to the end.
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