Reading and writing are reciprocal processes. This means that when we are reading, we are reading a piece of writing that someone created.
When we are writing, we are writing a piece for someone to read. You might create a piece of writing just for yourself when you write a list or a piece to get your emotions on the paper. We could also write a story or a piece to share with others.
It is so important to teach our readers and writers that these two things go together, and our practice is more productive when we show the direct links.
Here is what it can look like in action:
- New readers just learning sounds - Practice sound writing of individual phonograms (fancy word for letter or group of letters that makes a sound).
- Readers that are working on initial blending and word decoding - Practice writing words by saying the sounds and writing each letter that makes that sound. This is a great time to teach and model spacing between letters in a word, and spacing between words.
- Growing Readers that are reading basic text and are developing more automaticity in decoding - Practice sentence dictation that matches some of the text they are reading.
- Skillful readers - Encourage these readers to take a good look at the books and types of text they are reading and to try their hand at creating something similar. I like to say, "If you can read a book like this (dramatic pointing at the text), then you are ready to add more to your writing, if this is a type of writing that is interesting to you."
- Reading & Writing Teachers - Make your reading and writing mini lessons match so you can intensify your focus across the day and make stronger connections during practice. It could sound something like this:
Readers, today we will play close attention to how this author crafted a plot to make this story so interesting and engaging. As we reread this text, we will note the elements that make up a traditional plot sequence including:
- Introducing the characters, setting and problem
- Development of characters and events
- Rising Action (aka. increasing suspense)
- Climax: The highest tension and emotion as the problem grows
- Resolution & Falling Action
Writers, during reading we were looking closely at how a plot unfolded in (named) story. Now we will use that very same structure as you plan out your own piece of writing.
All readers should be encouraged to practice writing by...
- sketching
- labeling
- drawing
- listmaking
- journaling
- capturing a story using a voice recorder
- delivering an oral story
- creating a collection of words or ideas on Post It notes
- putting pencil to paper (any size, shape or form) and see what happens
You get the idea. Don't worry about being perfect, just get going. This is my favorite advice to young and reluctant writers.
Happy Reading & Writing!
Kristy