Beyond the Essay: How Creative Writing Builds Better Students and Happier Humans

Writing - especially when creative and expressive - is a powerful tool not only for children’s academic growth, but also self-discovery and emotional growth. Journaling and storytelling can provide a sanctuary for their developing inner world to unfold in a way that feels both safe and enjoyable: to explore, process, organize, and sometimes even share. Long-term success in school and life requires the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand oneself. Creative writing is a highly effective avenue to strengthening each of those aptitudes, while also reducing stress, improving memory, and encouraging innovation.

BENEFIT #1: EMOTIONAL LITERACY AND REGULATION

Turning the abstract world of complex feelings into structured language through the act of journaling is a profound exercise in emotional intelligence. By externalizing their emotional landscape, young writers can find distance and clarity on the written page. Research extensively reports on these benefits, linking creativity to “emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and social connectedness.”

Self-expression through writing, particularly on a regular basis, supports emotional regulation by providing a consistent, private channel for processing stress, frustration, and personal victories. As a therapeutic tool, this remains true for people of any age and even in extreme cases, such as for those who suffer with PTSD or long-term chronic illnesses. This internal processing system is invaluable for maintaining mental well-being and managing the pressures that naturally arise in the academic environment and life in general.

Physical and emotional health are inextricably linked, and expressive writing invariably supports both. According to a 2018 study published by the Cambridge University Press, these benefits include long-term health outcomes such as:

• Fewer stress-related visits to the doctor

• Improved immune system functioning

• Reduced blood pressure

• Improve lung function

• Improved liver function

• Improved moods/affect

• Feelings of great psychology well-being

• Reduced depressive symptoms

• Fewer avoid symptoms

BENEFIT #2: ORGANIZATIONAL AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS

Creative writing and storytelling both inherently require the writer to employ and develop critical executive functions, such as organization, planning, and memory. Inventing characters, structuring plot outlines, or even simply maintaining a daily journal necessitates on-going planning, sequential organization of ideas, and sustained attention. When a child practices these essential skills of ideation (generating content), arrangement (paragraph and narrative flow), and revision (self-correction and refinement), they are strengthening their capacity for applying those abilities in other contexts - also known as transfer. For instance, writing expressively can allow students to gain valuable experience in initiating a task, planning its execution, and self-monitoring their progress. Then, they can transfer those improved skills to complex school projects, studying for exams, and maintaining the organizational habits necessary for long-term academic achievement.

In the earlier mentioned 2018 study published by the Cambridge University Press, some of the social and behavioral benefits include outcomes such as:

• Higher GPA 

• Reduced absenteeism

• Improved working memory

• Improved sporting performance

• Altered social and linguistic behaviors

BENEFIT #3: SELF-ASSURANCE AND AUTHENTIC VOICE

Poetry, creative fiction, and personal reflection all grant young writers the freedom to experiment and explore their identities without external judgment. This safety encourages authenticity, allowing them to solidify their unique values and perspectives on the world around them and the world within. Students can find their most authentic voices in this private space, and then develop the confidence and clarity they need to advocate for their ideas and present effective arguments in formal assignments or interpersonal contexts. The self-assurance gained from knowing and articulating an inner narrative translates into greater resilience and a powerful, unique voice in academic papers and public discourse.

In another study published by Secker et al. (2017), engaging in creative processes yielded distinctly invaluable internal benefits:

• Improved problem-solving

• A positive sense of identity

• Greater confidence

• Greater self-esteem

• A sense of agency and control over their mental health

• Capacity for self-expression

CONCLUSION

Prioritizing expressive writing as part of a child’s routine is a worthwhile investment in their holistic development, extending far beyond the requirements of a traditional school curriculum. By providing opportunities and encouragement for journaling and creative storytelling, parents and educators can offer young students the tools they need to successfully navigate the demands of education, as well as the complexities of both their external and internal worlds. A written pathway to self-expression is potentially one of the most valuable and yet simple ways we can ensure a child discovers and learns to leverage their completely authentic and articulate voices in the world around them. 

Written by Brandi R.

Summer Learning Made Easy: Fun, Simple Tips for Parents

Summer has arrived in Phoenix, and kids across the valley are ready for all the fun that comes with a break from the school-year routine. While a chance to reset and reconnect is essential, parents and educators know how critical it is to balance a well-deserved break with opportunities that nurture and sustain their learning from the past year.

The "summer slide" is a real concern for many families, but keeping their academic skills fresh doesn't have to involve mind-numbing flashcards and boring drills. There are countless exciting and engaging ways to reinforce reading, writing, and math skills, so students of all ages can jump back into school feeling confident, not burnt out. If nurturing those executive function skills is also on your radar, there are ways to make that a part of the summer fun as well.

READING: FOR THE LOVE, NOT THE REPORT!

Summer is the perfect time of year to foster a love of reading without any assigned pages or book reports. Even the most reading-resistant kid can get excited! Here are some quick ways to embed reading into your family’s ‘vacation mode’:

• Library Adventures (and not just for books!): Our local Phoenix libraries are treasure troves of free programs, story times, and summer reading challenges. Let your child choose any book, comic book, or magazine that captures their interest - no judgment. The goal is to get them reading something that they chose for themselves.

• Audiobooks on the Go: Whether it’s for long car rides, hanging out by the pool, or even during quiet playtime or bedtime, audiobooks are a fantastic way to make reading a natural part of your child’s day. They effortlessly expose kids to new vocabulary and share stories without the visual strain.

• Family Read-Alouds: Children of all ages - even teens - generally love being read to. Try taking turns reading chapters from a longer book, or explore a collection of short stories or poetry together. Even better, talk about what you read during and after reading; these conversations help strengthen comprehension and create shared experiences.

• Real-World Reading: Point out signs, browse recipe books, or ask your child to read the instructions for a new board game. By taking advantage of the ways that reading naturally occurs in the world around them, they discover that reading is a valuable life skill, not just a school subject.

WRITING: FOR CREATIVITY, NOT AN ESSAY!

Writing doesn't have to mean academic essays and formal assessments. Even if your child says they ‘hate writing’ during the school year, summer opens the door to rekindling their enthusiasm. Here are a few to get you started:

• Summer Journaling: Give your child a fun notebook and encourage them to jot down their daily adventures, thoughts, or observations. No pressure for perfect grammar – just get those ideas flowing!

• Creative Story Tellers: This can be prompted (with numerous story-starter ideas available online) or given free rein - simply provide a notebook with space for pictures and written text, and see where their imagination takes them.

• Recipe Writers: Have them help you write down a family recipe, or even create their own silly concoction. This can help enhance math skills while navigating measurements as an added bonus.

• Thank You Notes: There are so many benefits to practicing gratitude, penmanship, and writing skills in one go! If your child is an artist, have them create a drawing as an accompaniment to their written expressions of appreciation. 

MATH: FOR REAL LIFE, NOT THE TEST!

Math is everywhere, and summer is the perfect time to highlight its practical applications. This is especially true if you can connect math and play as the powerhouse couple they are!

• Cooking and Baking: Measuring ingredients is a fantastic way to practice fractions and understanding quantities. Doubling a recipe? That's multiplication!

• Shopping and Money: Encouraging math skills through money is a highly effective way to connect their learning to the world around them. Have your child help with the grocery budget, calculate discounts, or figure out the change you should receive.

• Board Games & Card Games: Many classic games like Monopoly, Uno, or even simple dice games involve counting, strategy, and basic arithmetic.

• Time Teller: Help them keep track of time for activities, calculate how long until dinner, or understand schedules.

• Sports Statistics: If your child loves sports, explore batting averages, points per game, or other fun stats.

The goal of summer learning isn’t to ‘school’ children during their much-needed time away - it’s to keep their curiosity, critical thinking skills, and thinking brains active and engaged. The more natural and enjoyable these experiences are, the better!

This fun and low-pressure approach reinforces essential reading, writing, and math skills while also encouraging a positive attitude towards learning. If you ever feel like your child could use a little extra support or a more structured approach to maintaining those executive function skills, Peak Academics is always here to help.

Written by Brandi R.

Stop the Writing Wars: How To Help Your Child Enjoy the Written Word Again

Most parents and educators have heard a child make the tragic declaration: "I hate writing!" Often, the instinct is to reason with that resistance, usually by defending the importance of putting one’s thoughts onto paper (or screen) to communicate effectively. Unfortunately, much like the challenge of reading resistance, forcing the issue can worsen that child’s aversion. 

Yet, the ability to write well is foundational. It drives communication, improves critical thinking, fosters creativity, provides a safe space for emotional expression, and plays a vital role in every aspect of academic success. So, what is the most effective way to gently guide children from that overwhelming and discouraging "hate" to a more positive relationship with their writing? Instead of getting tangled up in a power struggle, here are some effective strategies to help them rediscover the joy and power of the written word.

UNDERSTANDING THE ‘WHY’ BEHIND ‘I HATE WRITING’

When a child says, "I hate writing," what do they truly mean? Before parents and educators can create meaningful solutions, it’s important to understand how that particular child perceives the experience of writing and why it fuels their frustration. Common culprits often include:

• Overwhelmed by the empty screen or page and ‘writer’s block’

• Difficulty organizing ideas and structuring their writing 

• Frozen from the fear of making mistakes and a sense of pressure to produce perfect work on the first try

• Lack of confidence in spelling, punctuation, and grammar 

• Disengagement and boredom with assigned or uninspiring topics

• Physical struggles with handwriting/typing and fine motor skills deficits

• Lack of enjoyment or sense of accomplishment toward writing in general

With a clearer picture of what a child feels towards writing, solutions can be tailored to their unique needs and feelings. A child who struggles with the physical task of handwriting or typing doesn’t need more exciting topics to improve engagement, and the child who is overwhelmed by a blank screen won’t feel any better after additional instruction in writing conventions.

For instance, if your child struggles with getting started or organizing their ideas, it can be powerfully effective to break down these tasks into smaller, more manageable steps that work to build towards a final product. It can also be helpful to encourage them to talk through their ideas first; sometimes verbalizing thoughts helps to better articulate them before trying to translate them to the physical page. Finally, sentence starters or story prompts can also gently nudge them past the blank page's emptiness. Small victories build confidence and help ease anxiety. 

If the struggle lies in organizing thoughts, this could potentially signal a different learning style or an executive functioning skill that needs additional support. Visual tools like graphic organizers, mind maps, and even simple outlines can provide a much-needed framework. With a structure built out, the screen is no longer blank, and the organizational system exists before they start building out the rest of the written content within that framework. 

INTEGRATE WRITING INTO DAILY LIFE

The more writing feels like a natural part of life, the less it will feel like a chore. Here are some effortless ways to embed writing into daily routines:

• Keep a variety of engaging writing tools easily available and visible, such as fun notebooks or colorful writing tools

• Create a comfortable, uplifting, and distraction-free writing space

• Let them see you writing for pleasure and practical purposes – drafting grocery lists, journals, emails, etc.

• Encourage writing in different genres that speak more to their interests: journals, stories, poems, comics, song lyrics, letters to loved ones, captions for photos, or even creating their own games with written instructions

• Encourage imaginative play that asks them to write scripts for their toys, menus for a pretend restaurant, maps for made-up lands, or journals for their adventures

• Write or verbally weave stories together, taking turns adding sentences or paragraphs

• Differentiate the act of writing and the act of editing as separate tasks with their own objectives, praising effort, creativity, and ideas as the priority when it comes to writing

• Explore innovative tech support - such as engaging writing apps, voice-to-text software for those who struggle with handwriting, or collaborative storytelling platforms

Ultimately, helping a child who "hates" writing to re-engage requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to invent creative, uniquely customized solutions. By understanding the roots of their resistance and creating an environment where writing feels less like an impossible demand and more like a joyful means of expression, they can rediscover the power and satisfaction of putting their unique voice onto the page. 

Written by Brandi R.