Reading is key to everything we do. We read to be informed, entertained, and to share experiences with others. Writing is the other side of the coin for communication. With literacy rates in the United States on the decline, investment in programming that teaches students not only how to read but also how to love reading is essential. 

According to a 2024 study on the influence of literature on society, “Literature has the power to provoke individual thinking and challenge readers' beliefs and values.” The literary arts encourage students to think for themselves, build empathy as they learn about others, and ask the right questions to develop their passions and beliefs. 

Let’s find out more about the value of the literary arts and how to bring them to your school!

What are the literary arts?

The literary arts are all the words making up the stories you love and cataloging your traditions. They can be novels, short stories, poetry, memoirs, plays, essays, and more. The written word allows individuals to explore ideas, emotions, and experiences in ways that other media cannot replicate.

How do workshops meet academic standards?

All programming at Lighthouse considers the Colorado Department of Education Academic Standards for preparing graduates for Reading, Writing, and Communicating. Activities and workshops match key bullets from the department:

• 5. Understand how language functions in different contexts, command a variety of word-learning strategies to assist comprehension, and make effective choices for meaning or style when writing and speaking.

• 6. Craft arguments using techniques specific to the genre.

• 7. Craft informational/explanatory texts using techniques specific to the genre.

• 8. Craft narratives using techniques specific to the genre.

We can offer grade-level specific standards, evidence outcomes, and academic context and connections for our individual programs. We are also able to incorporate and document other standards, such as Social Studies and Science, upon request. 

What are the benefits of the literary arts?

Not only are students learning the building blocks of communication, but they’re also building empathy, patience, and self-confidence. Students are under a lot of academic pressure and mental health stress, so they need resources to support them not only as learners, but as people. 

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. Prioritizing SEL is suggested not only to impact emotional regulation, but also results in higher test scores and grades. 

Writing is an internal process, leading to self-awareness and emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage and regulate emotions. Through personal narrative, fiction, and poetry, students learn about themselves, and through character development, they learn about others and the world around them as well. 

Dr. Susan David, world-renowned author and researcher, states that “the way we navigate our inner world—our everyday thoughts, emotions, and self-stories—is the single most important determinant of our life success.”

What is the impact of writing?

According to a 2019 study, a six-week writing intervention increases resilience and decreases depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and rumination among those reporting trauma in the past year. Thirty-five percent of the participants who began the program with indicators of likely clinical depression ended the program no longer meeting this criterion.

Lighthouse has seen similar results with out Writing for Resilience program, which works with high school students in recovery for addiction, self-harm, and eating disorders. Likewise, we have seen positive benefits to mental health through the CORAL program, which allows healthcare workers to have a literary outlet to process their difficult tasks in community with others.

What are some program examples?

Our programs can change based on age range and are highly customizable to your students' needs. For Elementary students, we focus on the elements of storytelling and descriptive language. For Middle Schoolers, we add in elements of personal narrative and self-reflection. For High Schoolers, we go even deeper into craft by exploring different genres and self-discovery. 

How do I bring creative writing to my school?

Lighthouse’s Young Writers Program works with young writers to build community, exchange their creativity, and learn what it takes to be a writer. We work with schools to bring writing workshops to after-school programs and more. Fill out this form to tell us about what programming you have in mind, and our team will be in touch to work with you. 

The literary arts are essential for younger generations to thrive, so Lighthouse is here to support students' development of their creative and imaginative spirits.