Chapter 6 Capitalize on the Reading-Writing Connection

Of course most teachers know and use the connection between reading and writing. This is not new information. From my experience as a Reading Recovery teacher I know some of the strategies and activities that Marie Clay used with young readers. The language experience story where the teacher helps the child write a passage and then uses this text for reading purposes is a great example of using reading and writing together. Cut up sentences can be used from this passage along with minilessons on conventions, organization, word choice, etc.

Reggie's reminder that extensive reading leads to better writing validates the time teachers take to share literature with their students. Often teachers feel pressured to teacher every minute, and that reading to the class is an extra activity. I agree that lots of input needs to happen before we can expect improved writing output from our students.

These are ideas that I want to write into my lesson plans and make part of my writing program

• Revisions on another day when it is easier to read the passage and not what you thought you wrote.
• do more informational writing
• math journals
• more time talking before writing
• do writing in guided reading groups
• do more illustrating and labeling