The creative writing program at Salem High School in Plymouth, MI, offers a challenging environment for students to develop their writing skills and become a better storyteller. Students in the program develop different skills such as research and organization, as well as the ability to convey their ideas through writing. Through engaging with peers and faculty, students are able to improve their interpersonal skills as well. This is largely thanks to the integrated learning system adopted by the school. The goal of this system is for students to develop ‘21st century skills’ such as collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. Students also learn about traditional and social forms of literature, as well as the craft of writing.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the creative writing program at Salem High School focuses on developing the following skills:
- Creative writing
- Research, library research and the research process
- Public speaking and interacting with peers
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Vocabulary development
- Nonverbal communication
- Technology
- Mathematics
- English
- History
- Social Studies
These skills are developed through a specific sequence of classes that students take. Some of these classes may require students to work in groups, while others may require them to develop their skills through individual work. The program also offers a variety of electives, including journalism, art, and business, that students can add to their studies and gain valuable skills that can be applied to their future careers. The curriculum provides a balance between theory and practice, with assignments requiring students to both understand and apply the concepts they have learned. For example, the curriculum includes a class titled “Research for Writers’ Workshop,” where students learn about different databases and the process of doing library research. The practical part of the assignment involves them actually doing the research and finding the appropriate sources to cite in their paper. Through this kind of integrated approach, students develop an understanding of the concepts behind the assignments and the ability to apply that knowledge in new situations. The teachers in this program work hard to make sure that every student is equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the evolving world of work. This is especially difficult now that so much of what students are learning is changing so quickly.
Extracurricular Activities
One of the unique things about the creative writing program at Salem High School is the emphasis the school places on the development of students’ personalities and individuality through art and literature. This is reflected in the school’s extracurricular activities. Students have the opportunity to take classes, join clubs, and perform in plays for audiences around the school, while also developing their creative and theatrical skills. The school also encourages its students to develop personal brands, which can be used as a means of identifying themselves to others. Teams of students may work together to develop campaigns to promote their individual talents and to encourage others to show their support for these creative pursuits.
The curriculum and extracurricular activities at Salem High School provide a rich learning environment for students to develop their skills, while fostering a community of support among the students and faculty. Traditional and social forms of literature are taught in conjunction with various elective courses, allowing students to develop an understanding of all elements of a story, from its form to its content. This encourages students to be more receptive to a variety of approaches when it comes to their writing, whether it is their personal experiences, the things they have observed, or the things they have read. An integrated approach is used when teaching any subject, allowing students to both understand and apply the concepts they have learned when solving problems and making judgments. In addition, teams of students may work together to develop campaigns, promoting their individual talents and supporting other teams or organizations that they believe in.