The Reading/Writing Connection
Reading and writing are deeply connected. We learn to write from our reading. Students use a variety of text to practice reading and writing strategies. Mentor authors are selected and students use their poems, narratives, short stories, essays, and chapter books covering many different genres to apply literal and inferential comprehension strategies. Both whole class and small group lessons are part of my daily instruction. Grammar mini-lessons are taught during whole class instruction and practiced daily in our writing.
Students are expected to read 30 minutes each night. Please keep in mind that any content area homework that requires textbook reading, may count towards their 30 minutes. Students are expected to jot down new vocabulary and make connections as they read. Connections and notes on reading should be brief, but have purpose.
Writer's write with a purpose: To Persuade, To Inform, To Entertain. Students must first decide their purpose, then consider their audience. It is just as important to be able to write a non-fiction topic sentence as it is a strong lead for a personal narrative!