Write Without Worry

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that classrooms provide a sense of community and belonging that encourages learning and gives students a space to actively engage with their instructors, classmates, and the content in a way that allows for risk-taking and emotional reward. For humanities courses, providing low-stakes writing opportunities in the classroom can help achieve this. This article discusses how to implement a low-stakes writing practice called “Write Without Worry,” inspired by the work of Peter Elbow. Using qualitative research, the article addresses the practice itself, provides examples and strategies used in remedial English and composition courses, discusses how it helps build community within the classroom between students with various backgrounds and experiences, and shows how the practice can lead to increases in student engagement and success.