Write Outside

Write Outside is a handbook for college-level English composition courses. In addition to providing explanations and examples of effective writing strategies, the text includes outdoor activities and writing prompts that bridge and reinforce those key concepts. As one of the best ways to clear our minds and think deeply about our own ideas, being outdoors is intrinsically linked to the basic principles of effective writing. Being outdoors is not only about "unplugging" or taking a break from technology, but also offers students innumerable opportunities to experience a tangible, natural world. The psychological and physiological benefits of sunshine and fresh air cannot be underestimated. Additionally, structured or group-based outdoor activities give students shared, meaningful experiences on which to base their writing. Structured outdoor activities can help students who otherwise do not have an opportunity develop an appreciation for the natural world. The greatest gift simply being outdoors offers is the gift of quiet moments for unbroken thought. What is writing if not the culmination of hours of unbroken thought?