Reading-Writing

Connections

“Every time we enter a text as a reader, we receive a writing lesson: how to spell, punctuate, use proper grammar, structure a sentence or paragraph, and organize a text. We also learn the many purposes writing serves and the different genres and formats it assumes to serve these varied purposes (Duke et al., 2013; Culham, 2014; 2012). And every time we create a text as a writer, we receive a reading lesson. Evidence shows that high-quality writing instruction can improve students' reading comprehension, reading fluency, and word-solving skills (Graham & Hebert, 2011).

“Writing about reading makes comprehension visible; it also helps readers frame and focus their understanding (Serravallo, 2012, 13; Graham & Perin, 2007; Graham & Hebert, 2010). Indeed, asking students to write about their reading may provide the best window into their reading process and comprehension (Serravallo, 2012; 2013; Roessing, 2009).”

- Lois Bridges, 2015

Similarities between Reading & Writing

Reading & writing are similar processes of composing meaning; practice with one contributes to the success of the other.

Similarities between Reading & Writing

Reading & writing are both purposeful activities.

Similarities between Reading & Writing

Readers & writers make use of the 3 cueing systems for information (semantic, syntactic & graphophonic)

Reading-Writing Connections

“Be careful with what you read, for that is how you will write.” -an old saying

This implies that the books teachers share with students serve as powerful models for the kind of writing that the students will do.

Reading-Writing Connections

When students listen to a story, students may hear the language of good writers, will be exposed to new vocabulary, and develop a sense of story and literary awareness. They may learn the structure and language of texts. As such, they learn the literacy skills that may transfer into their own writing.

Reading-Writing Connections

When students read, the teacher must encourage them to identify the audience for which the text was written.When students write, the teacher must also encourage them to identify their audience– which helps in focusing on the elements of writing, what information to include or exclude, etc. for the benefit of the reader.

Reading-Writing Connections

Reading picture books to students in the classroom is a good way to illustrate and point out writing techniques & styles to students. Quality literature can be used to enhance the writing curriculum in this way.

Reading-Writing Connections

Literature can also be used as a springboard for shared writing in the classroom (e.g. creating class books).

The Writer’s Notebook

-a place to keep ideas, thoughts, reactions, words-a place fore feelings, observations, and memories-a place to keep a list of names, places, anecdotes, interesting or unusual words

References

Bridges, L. (2015). What research says: Reading and writing connections. Retrieved from http://edublog.scholastic.com/post/what-research-says-reading-and-writing-connections

Olness, R. (2005). Using literature to enhance writing instruction (pp. 1-9). Retrieved from http://www-tc.pbs.org/teacherline/courses/rdla215/docs/bk560_olness_pp1-9.pdf