Reading-Writing Connection Lessons

The More Students Read, the Better They Write

Effective literacy instruction requires careful integration of reading and writing activities in the classroom. Research and our experiences as teachers have clearly demonstrated that the more students read, the better they write. Students need to be read to daily. They also need to engage in shared and independent reading with a variety of different styles and genres.

The Links Between Reading and Writing Have to Be Taught Explicitly

We cannot assume that all students will learn to write well simply by being exposed to fine literature. The connection between reading and writing needs to be taught explicitly. Teachers need to select models of good writing to carefully share with students during guided writing sessions or mini-lessons. Examples of good writing models might include picture books, poetry, novel passages, newspaper articles and letters.

As teachers share these literary models with their students, they need to demonstrate how to read like an author. They should highlight and discuss with students specific writing skills or techniques in literature. These mini-lessons should be followed by short writing sessions – opportunities for students to practice specific writing skills or elements.

In this section of the  Literacy 44 website, you will find text-specific activities that will help illuminate students’ understanding of reading and writing techniques. Each title comes paired with a learning activity (as well as a list of reading and writing skills to be practiced) that will help students improve their writing and reading.

Primary

 

Intermediate

Secondary

Fiction

 

Non-fiction

• Childhood Obesity
• Climate Change
• The Emperor of All Maladies
• Lowered Riverbed Reveals “Secrets”
• Navigating Panama Canal North
• The Trouble with Testosterone
• Vaccine Effectiveness