This weekend I am attending the California Association of Teachers of English (CATE) Conference, and I’m presenting how to build a creative writing program at the high school level. I have to admit I’m a bit nervous.
I’m starting with the rationale that schools need to have a creative outlet for kids who are attempting to process challenging situations in their lives.
I remember when I was taking Creative Writing in college, I was going through all kinds of turmoil in my life. Writing stories was a way for me to gain control in often out of control situations. I was able to change the ending to my liking. Sometimes that meant violence, and sometimes it was a happy ending, but it always ended how I wanted to. Even if it didn’t in real life. It was the when I fell in love with writing.
As an English teacher we are bound to teaching the Common Core standards, or other state standards. Narrative writing is often overlooked because there is so much more we have to cover in the school year, but imagine if more teachers dedicated time to giving students a voice. These kids could work through their depression, anxiety, and other issues that the rest of the world tells them to push aside.
I’m proud to be a writer, and I’m proud to encourage kids to write everyday. I’ve had he privilege of teaching creative writing at my school and it’s amazing how much talent these kids, of all types, bring to the table. My room is full of athletes, thespians, artists, nerds, and more. When you first walk in, it’s easy to think there’s no way they will get along, but by the end of the semester, they become a family. It’s truly inspiring.
I hope this weekend inspires other teachers and schools to start their own writing programs where kids from all walks of life can utilize their voices for good.
Wish me luck!
Jamie Handling 