Is writing a dying skill? It appears to me that good writers are in short supply – analytical writers, storytellers, creative writers.
I am talking up writing and publishing in my school because I see the huge gap between what people read, and what (or how) they write. Young people read Dr. Seuss, but hardly take a stab at poetry. They may binge watch on Netflix, but never consider a screen play, or even coming up with a skit. They consume the news, but seldom look at the nuts and bolts of news writing, features, or Op-Eds.
You want to write? Here are a few places to start.
- Khan Academy has a wonderful lesson on the craft of storytelling, from developing character traits, to building a story. Here is a link to the Khan Academy lesson.
- WriteTheWorld, an organization I have been talking to, has a very interesting Poetry and Spoken Word Competition. It’s open to students between the ages of 13 and 18. And there are prizes. $100 for the first prize! More details here.
- Magazine Writing is a niche young people don’t often consider. Writer’s Digest always features helpful ideas on how to get started, and where to look for work.
February is when Coding fills the news, since Digital Learning Day is on Feb 17th. This year we have plenty to pick from –the usual powerhouses Code.Org and Khan Academy. There’s also 
I tend to take the contrarian point of view that tablets are not the thing that will change everything. We romanticize these pieces of glass too much. Waaay too much.
Hoipolloireport 