Recently, my teenager presented me, his teacher, with an article he wrote for his writing class about Artificial Intelligence (AI). It was excellent! Even though at sixteen years of age he is a decent writer, this article was much better than what I would expect of him. It didn’t take long for this tech-savvy child to admit with a smile that he commissioned ChatGPT to write it for him. [To learn more about ChatGPT, please read What is ChatGPT and Why Does It Matter?]
Thankfully, my student fully understands that in spite of ChatGPT’s exceptional writing skills, its articles can never be accepted in our homeschool environment. Nevertheless, his “joke” made me wonder: How many children will want to continue laboring for days to produce an essay that AI can generate in thirty seconds?
Why Teaching Writing Still Matters
As a homeschooling parent, you may also wonder whether, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, writing skills are still relevant. Is it still worth devoting time and effort to teaching your child how to write? The answer, however, is a resounding yes – and here is why:
- Writing is a key form of communication: Despite the advances in AI technology, writing is still a vital tool to voice thoughts. Writing skills enable children to express themselves clearly and persuasively and to communicate their ideas effectively to others. Good writing skills will serve your child well in every aspect of their life, from school to their future career.
- Writing is essential for critical thinking and problem-solving: Writing is not just about putting words on paper. When your child learns to write, they are developing their ability to analyze and organize information, identify patterns and connections, and draw conclusions based on evidence.
- Writing helps to develop creativity and imagination: When children write, they are encouraged to think outside the box, explore new ideas and perspectives, and develop their unique voice. This fosters a love of learning and a sense of curiosity that will serve them well throughout their lives.
- Writing is a tool for personal growth: Through writing, children can develop their voices, explore their interests, and reflect on their experiences. Encouraging your child to write about their thoughts and experiences can help them develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
- Writing is a source of pleasure: Finally, writing can be a source of pleasure and fulfillment for children. Many children find joy in writing stories, poems, or journal entries. Fostering this love of writing can bring lifelong benefits.
In short, writing is a fundamental skill for children even in a world dominated by AI. By helping your children develop strong writing skills, you are preparing them for a lifetime of communication, critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. So don’t hesitate to devote time and energy to teaching writing in your homeschool – you won’t regret it!
