Of the most inspiring writers in the world, Maya Angelou definitely takes one of the top spots. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays spanning over 50 years. It's safe to say when she wrote the lines, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you,” in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she was sharing from her personal experiences.
Creative writing allows writers to create the impossible and escape from the everyday. It invites readers on adventures to wondrous places with monsters, wizards, gods, or even killer clowns. Readers fall in love or in loathe with these fictional characters; we can clearly see and hear them in our imaginations from the vivid descriptions typed upon the page.
Sadly, our current educational system does not nurture this magical skill. Creative writing is consider a mere elective for those brave enough to take it on, while more traditional persuasive and informative writing fill our classrooms. Most of the students we work with come to us somewhat traumatized by essay writing and believing they are not good writers. We always explain a person cannot be good at something they have not learned to do and improve on. Charts and worksheets don't cut it when it comes to creativity. Just like with riding bicycle, we cannot just learn the parts of the bike and how they move in theory; we have to get on the bike! We might fall off or run into a bush or two, but with a little support you'll be riding (and writing) like a pro. We have to get away from seeking perfection; knowing there will be bumps and obstacles to overcome.
Taking classes like our Creative Writing class for kids in grades 3-5 with Ms. Salzman on Wednesdays from 5-6, allow students the room to learn the basics and find their voices. The world needs authors and poets and this class could help your student discover their untapped talent.
For more on the subject, please check out this great TEDx Talk on the importance of creative writing.