Reading and Writing Connection

When I read about the reading and writing connection a number of new ideas were presented about the importance of reading in the writing process. I was not aware that understanding the relationship between reading and writing is important for one to become a better reader and writer. Individuals must therefore be aware reading and writing are inextricably linked and they must also be aware of how one's reading would influence their writing and vice versa. Furthermore, reading involves constructing meaning, and writing involves constructing meaning. Reading and writing are therefore thinking processes. Also, reading and writing are not solitary acts. Sometime by sharing individuals can process a text better or they can right a text better. I was also made aware in my reading that a variety of writing tools can help individuals process a reading. Theses include: reading logs, learning logs ( response journals), graphic organizers, note taking and summarizing.

Most of the information presented caught my attention. However, what stood out me about the reading and writing connection was that writing is an opportunity for students to analyze and explore the meaning of texts read, writing can be used to discover meaning and to understand and communicate meaning to others, better writers tend to be better readers, writing can be seen as a scaffold for processing a text and it can also be seen as a scaffold for writing, it is important that individuals read while they write and write while they read.

Many teachers do not understand the reading and writing connection and would therefore find it difficult to get students to see the like and in turn to help them become better readers and writers. These teachers would simply teach reading and writing as separate entities and it would be more difficult for students to make the link and use reading to help them improve their writing or use writing to help them improve their reading. Another obstacle to the implementation of reading and writing as one entity is that teachers do not make use of the variety of writing tools which can be useful in helping students with their reading or to help them process a text better. Teachers need to ensure that students are exposed to those writing tools, ensure that they are aware of the purpose of those writing tools and provide them with many opportunities to use those writing tools that they are exposed to to help them in the reading process. When this is done a reading and writing connection is established. Students will therefore appreciate both entities and the will realize that one entity supports the other. It is important also that teachers do not teach reading and writing as separate entities and should ensure that they make a reading and writing connection in their lessons.