Teaching Writing

Once again the link between reading and writing – why is this still a surprise to some??  As I teach second grade, I can see and understand the importance balance and development of both skills.  Reading and writing go hand in hand, building on each other as students develop and further their foundation in both.  In accordance with Marie Clay as stated by Routman, “…as children write they develop many skills and writing abilities and that print awareness develops through both reading and writing.  And the more experience children have in reading and writing, the more meaningful their writing becomes.  Growth in reading positively impacts writing, and growth in writing positively impacts reading.  Since poor readers tend to become poor writers, we need to ensure we work on reading alongside writing” (120).  With this evidence, all teachers should balance their teaching and use the skills from reading to teach writing and vice versa.  While teaching reading, I often incorporate writing activities to further their skill development in both areas.  I plan and prepare for next year and the implementation of writer’s workshop, I often find myself thinking of mini-lessons focused on children’s literature.  What better way than to familiarize students with the idea as well as assist in developing their ideas while teaching writing, too.  It all makes perfect sense!  “Readers of well-written material experience more language, vocabulary, and stories to apply to their writing” (123), and as a teacher it is my job to support this by providing my students with numerous opportunities and shared experiences covering a wide variety of literary genres.  Not only will their reading benefit, but their writing, too!

As a second grade teacher, I often struggle with spelling and how much emphasis to place on correct spelling and when spelling should matter.  After reading Routman, I now will hold my students more responsible and accountable for certain words – no excuse words!  My expectations will be raised, yet reasonable to allow students the freedom to write without worrying too much about spelling.  There are, however, certain words they should always write correctly, and I will be better at making sure that happens.  The proven strategies suggestion listed at the end of the chapter for all writers who struggle will be extra beneficial as I plan and implement writer’s workshop.