Writing for diverse learners

 

Writing should be a life and study-improving tool, rather than a special skill one pulls out when necessary. Writing doesn’t have to be intimidating or a chore; this class will help you get so comfortable with written expression that you may start thinking of writing as helpful, and even fun.

 

In this 5 -week series, we will explore the connections between writing and the brain, looking especially at how writing accesses parts of the brain responsible for thinking, language, creativity, healing and working memory. We will look at easy-to-understand neuroscience that illustrates ways to stimulate, nurture, and hone your brain into the ultimate writing and thinking tool.

 

Agatha Christie is the best-selling author of all time, and guess what? She had dysgraphia! I’ll bet you’ve heard of F. Scott Fitzgerald or his most famous book, “The Great Gatsby?” Well, he was dyslexic. You can also get comfortable with writing! Speaking of getting comfortable—you will not receive a grade, be judged by any criteria, or forced to share your writing! How awesome is that?

 

Expressive writing reduces intrusive and avoidant thoughts and improves working memory. Writing has been found to reduce anxiety and depression, improve grades in college, aid people in a variety of things, from increasing the ability to forgive to finding a job. Writing as a daily practice has proven to increase happiness, which increases optimism, which increases self-confidence. Research has also shown that daily freewriting will free up our cognitive resources for other mental activities, including our ability to cope more effectively with stress.

 

Communication is the core of human interaction. Having fun with language is the best way to get comfortable with expressing ourselves via writing.