[danhodgins]

"Writing is rewarding. Writing is empowering. Writing is even fun. As human, we are wired to communicate. We are also wired for “play.” Under the right circumstances, writing allows us to do both of these things at the same time."

What if on day one you showed up to high school English class, and there were 2 terms on the board: 1. COMMUNICATION 2. PLAY

The teacher then said: "The most successful people in the world are the best communicators. This is true in every field - business, science, technology, medicine, sports, the arts and politics. The most successful people also have a love of play and get the chance to practice it during their work day. Whether its in business, the arts, or intellectual pursuits. Would you like to learn to be successful like them? Have I got your attention? Alright, let's go."

Although this would be a non-egalitarian and elitist curriculum , it would be highly appealing for me. I would want to attend a course like this, and I would forgo the author's offer to not attend and still get an A. I would attend, and get the A.

Surely we can improve course design so high school students aka humans 'studying life' can learn success, and it just so happens that writing is part of becoming your best self and reaching your potential.

Teachers could benefit from some 'marketing style' re-positioning and re-framing of the curriculum to what is relevant and resonant for students.

There is a major relevancy problem in the high school curriculum.

What if the gym teacher said: "today we're going to talk about Jordan. Best fadeaway jumper in the business. How did he do it? You're about to learn about one of the greatest players in history."

Or if the English teacher said: "Obama. Jobs. Musk. Why are they so persuasive from the podium? Listen up, because you're about the find out how they craft presentations that move millions of people and billions of dollars in product."

My high school English teacher let me write an essay analyzing lyrics in songs by the Doors as poetry. It was awesome, and I got an A.

-Dan