Writing and Reading
Writing and reading are closely related and, some would say, inseparable. Better writers tend to be better readers, and better readers produce better writing. It makes sense that the strategies children use to read are the same ones they use to write. Parents and teachers can take advantage of the connection between reading and writing by showing their students how enjoyable reading is. For a more comprehensive discussion of motivational tips below, please read "An Offer They Cannot Refuse."
- Show students what reading has to offer. Books are a low-cost adventure. Readers can travel to distant lands, go back in time, and discover romance.
- Find a type of book that intrigues each student. Questions about students' movie and television preferences or their likes and dislikes can help make the perfect match, whether it is horror or romance books, sports or science fiction, history or biography.
- Make reading material easily available. Find books by the dozens at garage sales and libraries. Combine them with interesting magazines, newspapers, and Internet sources.
- Encourage reading for reading's sake. The goal should be to read for pure pleasure rather than analysis. As students read best-sellers and high-interest books, they discover reading is a life force and come back for more.
Other Web Resources
The Reading Is Fundamental website offers educators and parents a variety of resources to promote literacy, including tips on motivating children to read.
The National Council of Teachers of English is a professional association of educators of English and their website is full of events and resources, some available to the general public.
ReadWriteThink is a partnership between the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the MarcoPolo Education Foundation.
"I Can't See You, But I Know You: An Intergenerational Literacy Program," The Quarterly of the National Writing Project, Volume 26, Number 1.
"An Offer They Cannot Refuse," The Voice, Newsletter of the National Writing Project, Volume 9, Number 1.