Emily Fleming, a first-year teacher at Sunnyside Elementary, is proving that writing can be a powerful tool in the reading classroom. She’s not only boosting her students’ reading comprehension, but also fostering a love for language and creativity in her young learners.
“I firmly believe that writing and reading are intertwined,” says Emily. “When kids write, they engage with language on a deeper level, which strengthens their reading comprehension. It’s a two-way street.”
Emily’s innovative approach begins with engaging writing prompts that directly connect to the stories they read. After exploring a chapter book about a brave explorer, students write journal entries from the explorer’s perspective. Another day, they create their own fantastical creatures after reading about mythical beasts.
Beyond the content connection, Emily focuses on building writing stamina and fluency. Students engage in daily “quick writes,” short bursts of free writing that allow them to explore their ideas and build confidence. These quick writes are often sparked by thought-provoking questions or images, allowing students to connect with the text on a personal level.
But Emily’s approach goes beyond simply writing about the text. She actively encourages students to be authors in their own right. They write their own stories, poems, and even scripts for short plays. This encourages them to think critically, experiment with language, and develop their own voices.
“Seeing their creativity blossom is truly rewarding,” Emily shares. “One student, who was initially reluctant to write, surprised me with a beautiful poem about his pet hamster. It was a moment of pure joy, knowing that I helped him find his voice.”
The results speak for themselves. Emily’s students are demonstrating remarkable progress in their reading comprehension. They can analyze characters, identify themes, and make inferences with ease. Most importantly, they have developed a passion for reading and writing that goes beyond the classroom.
Emily’s success story is a powerful reminder that writing is not just a skill, but a vital part of the reading process. By embracing writing in the classroom, teachers can unlock their students’ full potential, fostering a love for language and a lifelong love of learning.
