Write Out began in 2018 and was developed through a Cooperative Agreement between the National Writing Project and the National Park Service. Designed by Writing Project teachers and Park Rangers, Write Out utilizes robust resources as well as sound pedagogical strategies to support writers of all ages.
Why Write Out?
Through research as well as our lived experience as Writing Project teachers and Park Service Rangers, we have learned that writing outside and in our place gets the creative juices flowing, engages learners, and supports important connections within communities.
Write Out taps into the value of the outdoors in support of learning while also building on the importance of place-based writing and education. Research suggests that “experiences of nature boost academic learning, personal development, … environmental stewardship” (Kuo et al., 2019), health, and well-being (White et al., 2019). According to the Nebraska Writing Project, “young writers, in connecting to their own place and community, gain an understanding of who they are in their place, a better knowledge of the local history, culture, and geography, while learning to apply writing concepts … to an awareness of interdependence and interconnection in place and in writing.”
Write Out surfaces the opportunity to engage connected literacy and civic engagement in public spaces, both on and offline. By encouraging writing in communities alongside the mentorship of teachers, Park Rangers, parents, and community leaders, Write Out supports engagement with extended communities through local interests, caring relationships, and networked opportunities (Mirra, 2018; Connected Learning Alliance).
Write Out on Socials
Using and following the hashtag #writeout on most social media platforms will connect you with a growing community around this event and beyond.
You can also connect with us via the Write Out Group in the NWP Write Now Teacher Studio.