National Day on Writing: October 20, 2009

In order to show competency, understanding, and the thinking process of any of the various areas that fall under the concept of Social Studies, one must be able to write, and write effectively, in a variety of formats.

Often writing is an overlooked aspect of our work, or one of a continue debate of “that’s the English department’s job”.

The NCTE (the National Council of Teachers of English) is emphasizing the need for effective writing in all formats through the National Day on Writing, which is on October 20, 2009 this year. Their website contains a wealth of information concerning the National Day of Writing.

From their site:

Why a National Day on Writing?
In light of the significance of writing in our national life, to draw attention to the remarkable variety of writing we engage in, and to help writers from all walks of life recognize how important writing is to their lives, October 20, 2009, will be celebrated as The National Day on Writing. The National Day on Writing will
-celebrate the foundational place of writing in Americans' personal, professional, and civic lives.
-point to the importance of writing instruction and practice at every grade level, for every student and in every subject area from preschool through university. (See The Genteel Unteaching of America’s Poor.)
-emphasize the lifelong process of learning to write and composing for different audiences, purposes, and occasions.
-recognize the scope and range of writing done by the American people and others.
-honor the use of the full range of media for composing.
-encourage Americans to write and enjoy and learn from the writing of others.

I would encourage our teachers to think about implementing a special writing activity on October 20th in order to help emphasize the importance of writing in our lives.

Essential Question: What place does writing hold in the Social Studies classroom?

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