The School Principal – Benefits of a Reading-Writing Approach to Improve Both

The reading challenge in American schools is greater today than ever. Few students are working at a proficiency level causing schools to be challenged with approaches that will stem the loss of growth and improve student performance. So, what is the deal about a reading-writing method to improve both reading and writing? First of all, there is a perfect correlation between reading and writing. A reading- writing approach is where reading and writing are taught and practiced in an integrated matter. The research is clear that the benefits affect all students, particularly those who need extra support in literacy.

 

Although reading and writing have distinct characteristics, they are related. Typically, students who are strong in word reading tend to be strong in spelling and vice versa. Similarly, students who are strong in reading comprehension tend to be strong in written composition. This is because reading and writing are built on largely shared systems and skills.

 

When students write about what they read, they process information more deeply, making connections between ideas and personal experiences. It may be called a write-to-learn approach because it reveals what students understand about what they are reading. Writing is a valuable tool for learning content. This provides students with an opportunity to process what they learn through writing in conjunction with building background knowledge.

 

Reading experiences in the arts, ancient cultures, literature, and science are important in having students make sense of increasingly sophisticated texts and ideas as their reading improves. Writing enhances students’ absorption of this background, world knowledge, and needs to be emphasized rather than focusing on the more commonly taught areas of stories and personal reflections.

 

In addition, students need to be explicitly taught the rules of writing and given opportunities to apply their knowledge of written language to their work. Grammar governs how words are combined into sentences, while mechanics (punctuation, spelling, capitalization, formatting) control the visual and structural areas of writing. Together they prevent ambiguity and ensure that writing is clear and correct. Acquisition of the rules has an immense effect on understanding how the language works in all areas of communication.

 

Those interested in learning more about EdVistas professional learning may do so by contacting Pete Cooper at 518-925-6021 or pcooper@edvistas.com.