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The Reason I Created WriteDay Gift Boxes for Kids and Teens
20 November 2024
The Reason I Created WriteDay Gift Boxes for Kids and Teens
I teach college English and creative writing courses and have for nineteen years. I knew the risks going in. Which is that the majority of college students do not like to read and write. I knew it would be an uphill battle to get them as enthused about punctuation and stories as I have been since childhood.
Online or on the ground, my first survey in the first class is “Raise your hand if you do NOT like to read or write.” Ninety-nine percent of hands go up. I move forward. “Raise your hand if you DO like to read and write.” I’m used to the percentage after the hundreds of college freshman composition students I’ve nurtured to a better place as far as appreciating literature and the construction of it. Even some creative writing majors in my Master of Fine Arts courses admit to not liking to read. Oy.
When I follow up by asking if anyone will share why they don’t like reading and writing, I get a general consensus that goes something like:
“It doesn’t make sense to me.”
“I had a bad teacher.”
“I can never think of anything to write.”
“Me and commas don’t get along.”
“I was never interested in what they asked me to read or write about.”
I know my job expectations, but I might take it as a personal challenge to bring the reluctance around to a modicum of acceptance. I do this by choosing relevant reading material on topics that interest my students. For example, the athletes gets essays assigned from sports magazines while science majors read materials taken from current publications focused on geology, technology, etc.
It doesn’t take me any more time to fine tune the reading selections according to student interests. The students don’t get siloed into a singular topic area for the term because when they come back to class with their essay response papers, they are paired with classmates who did NOT read the same essay. The volleyball player explains her essay to the biology major and vice versa. It’s an exercise with a built-in appreciation then understanding that the topic is only part of reading and writing.
The biggest reason I created WriteDay gift boxes for kids and teens is an effort to reach back into a reluctant reader’s world and offer them something engaging and educational to read and write before they enroll in my class. My hope is to turn on the reading pleasure button at an early age so that when they show up English 101, they have had the chance to discover that it’s a good thing to enjoy a book and try to write your own stories.
While I may never meet anyone who explored a My WriteDay Kids or Teen box in a future English class, I have many stories about students who grew to understand and appreciate reading and writing after taking my class. Like the time I was in a bookstore and found myself standing next to a former student. It had been three years since she was in my class. She was a tough one to turn around, but she finished the class with an ‘A’. We were both reading the back covers of romance novels. We said hello and life chatted. What we didn’t say out loud didn’t have to be. She checked out in front of me with three novels then turned and said, “I like reading now.”
Mission accomplished.
I hope your WriteDay is fantastic!
~Joy
CEO and founder My WriteDay Subscription Box
My WRITEDAY is a subscription box program that delivers curated products from authors, creators, and small businesses to writers and readers in the continental U.S. It’s unique in that many products are sourced from writers who are also crafters and artisans. Each box delivers a writing craft book and 3-7 items associated with the key concepts (journaling, fitness, relaxation, nutrition, and creative play) of Writer Wellness, my flagship program and book (Headline Books, Inc. 2020.)
Each box is inspired by literary themes, genres, and holidays. Every box includes access to My WRITEDAY Digital Magazine filled with writing and publishing tips, writer wellness ideas, fiction excerpts, poetry, special offers, social media options such as live virtual meetings, and more.
The idea behind My WRITEDAY is to help writers spend more time creating stories, engaging with like-minded book friends, and enjoying the juicy, creative life they deserve. From craft books to office supplies to fun, writing/reading inspired décor, subscribers ages 14 and up will discover an experience designed to offer a healthy plan for living their best writing life. The cost per box is $59.00 and includes free shipping (in the continental U.S.). There are discounts available on the website. Please visit us!
Be well, write well!
Joy E. Held
Founder and CEO
My WriteDay Subscription Box
Connect with us:
Website:
https://www.mywriteday.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550745717735
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywriteday/
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