Step aside, ChatGPT. We’d like to prompt today’s digitally driven youth to explore writing the old-fashioned way—by placing pen to paper. Increasingly, students are using generative AI to “write” essays and other school assignments, but this short-cut method deprives them of important cognitive and emotional benefits.
We checked in with local educators about how traditional writing processes can improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, then we brainstormed ways to encourage kids to write more—and make it more enjoyable. Here’s what we discovered.
Benefits of Writing
When students write without the help of technology, they are forced to use their brains to organize ideas. Writing helps kids retain information and clarify thoughts; it boosts mental focus and improves literacy skills (writing and reading go hand-in-hand). Plus, the act of writing helps children build identity, express creativity, process complex or difficult emotions, and reflect on experiences.
When it comes to reaping these benefits, typing on a computer is better than prompting AI to do the work. However, placing actual pen to paper (or stylus to tablet) is best for memory and learning, especially for young children. Recent research discussed in Scientific American suggests that students writing by hand have higher levels of interconnected brain activity responsible for movement, vision, sensory processing and memory.
Writing at School
“How can we encourage kids to write?” asks Monica Baldonado, director of the Literacy Center and assistant professor of literacy at San Diego State University. She laments that writing instruction in schools has become very structured and formulaic—i.e. writing five-paragraph essays to do well on standardized tests.
It’s no big surprise that when writing feels like an assignment or burden, kids don’t want to do it. To change this outlook, Baldonado suggests writing activities be geared towards student interests and communities, allowing greater autonomy to explore ideas.
Let’s not overlook the benefits of cursive writing. Thanks to a law that passed in early 2024, all California elementary school students should be learning cursive again (after a 14-year hiatus in mandatory cursive curriculum). While opponents to cursive consider it an outdated and unnecessary skill in today’s modern world, advocates for it disagree. According to the National Education Association (NEA), studies show that learning cursive not only improves retention and comprehension, it engages the brain on a deep level as students learn to join letters in a continuous flow. Cursive also enhances fine motor dexterity and gives children a better idea of how words work together. Baldonado views cursive writing as a lost art (that’s making a comeback) and points out the importance of newer generations being able to read historic documents.
Fun Ways to Engage in Writing
To encourage students to enjoy writing, try the following:
Provide fun writing supplies.
Whether children choose to write creative stories, document day-to-day experiences, explore areas of interest or journal emotions, a cute or themed journal or notebook, some scented gel pens and decorative stickers go a long way towards making the act of writing more personalized and fun.
Connect with a pen pal.
Out-of-town grandparents and other relatives are usually safe bets for consistent communication, whether via email or snail mail. Local organization Kids for Peace connects kids of similar ages to exchange ongoing letters—with parent help, children can even request an international pen pal to learn about other cultures and traditions. Learn more at www.kidsforpeaceglobal.org/peacefulpenpals.
Register for a writing class, camp or workshop.
Kids are often inspired to write more in peer-driven, collaborative settings. For youth group writing opportunities, check local libraries, bookstores and community centers. Also check for workshops and camps at:
- San Diego Area Writing Project at UC San Diego
- San Diego State University Literacy Center
- San Marcos Writing Project at CSU San Marcos
- AoPS Academy in Carmel Valley
Submit writing for publication.
It’s exciting to have work published in print or online—and there are lots of opportunities for youth. Students in K–12th grade can submit stories, poems, book reviews and drawings to Story Monsters at www.storymonsters.com/student-writer. Kids ages 13+ can submit creative work and opinions to Teen Ink at www.teenink.com.
Create a personal blog.
Consider helping kids set up their own online blog through content building sites like Blogger or WordPress. When it comes to posting publicly, be sure to discuss what’s appropriate to share, review privacy settings and continually monitor content.
Enter a contest.
Who doesn’t like being awarded for their work? Encourage young writers to submit their work in the following contests:
- KidsWrite: San Diego Writers Festival. Submit stories and poetry to their annual contest. www.sandiegowritersfestival.com/kidswrite
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Students in grades 7–12 can apply in 28 categories of art and writing. www.artandwriting.org
- California Young Playwrights. Budding playwrights under age 19 can submit original scripts. www.playwrightsproject.org/programs/students-and-youth
Keep a journal or diary.
Some kids thrive when faced with blank pages, while others require a little prompting. Search online to discover a variety of themed journals for kids, including ones that expand their mindset with fill-in pages and writing prompts. Print our free gratitude journal page for kids by clicking the image below.
Use technology.
While pen and paper may be best, let’s face reality—some kids will scoff at decorative paper and colorful pens as motivation. If possible, provide access to an electronic tablet with a stylus, which offers many of the same cognitive and emotional benefits as writing on paper. The key is to avoid technology shortcuts.
Don’t make it feel like school.
Most kids don’t want to write five-paragraph essays on weekends—and who can blame them. Instead, encourage them to write about special interests. Do they love tigers? The ocean? Riding bikes? Suggest doing some research and taking notes, like a scientist.
Include drawings.
Before learning to write, children learn to draw. Read a book together and ask your child to draw what it’s about. Or, ask them to draw something from their imagination, then write about it. If needed, act as their scribe.
Indulge your own love for writing.
When your child sees you keeping your own journal, writing letters, creating clever social media posts or attending a writing group, they may be inspired to do the same. If writing isn’t already part of your daily life, it’s never too late to start!
Lisa Pawlak is an award-winning contributing writer who lives in Encinitas with her family.
Free, printable journal page for kids:
