Reading Post 3

            Reading and Writing Connections

        " If reading and writing are to be communicative then the reader needs to read with the sense of the writer and the writer needs to write with the sense of the reader." 

                                                             - Timothy Shanahan

         

                I do not think that these two subjects should be taught separately. Even though reading develops before writing, both subjects can be used to strengthen each other. I think that teachers should highlight the relationship between reading and writing for their students. If students are aware of the importance of this relationship, I feel like they can more easily understand reading and writing.         

                

               I strongly agree with the part of the article that discusses the mechanics and processes of both reading and writing. It is integral that teachers view the reading and writing process as a developmental one. If we are going to teach students that reading and writing are gradual processes, we have to translate this in the classroom through positive teaching. Also, I believe that in order to show children the steps through these processes, they have to be motivated. Motivation comes from interest and self-drive, therefore students should be reading and writing about what they want. 

                 

              Journals are a great classroom activity, but I feel like the direction of the writing within them need to be given with an intentional purpose. For example, I believe that a journal activity should go beyond writing about how your day is going to something that is more opinionated.  By writing about strongly opinionated subjects students will have many ideas in their heads that they want to get down on the paper. Opinionated pieces of writing also shows students that writing allows us to express ourselves to readers, ultimately showing the close relationship and importance of reading and writing.