Reading+&+Writing+Connections+(Andrea)


 * Background about topic **


 * Topic:** Reading-Writing Connections and Writing Influences

I wanted to know how writing influences reading, and after reading various aspects of modern research, I narrowed my questions down to factors that influence writing. I examined many elements of reading-writing connection, and how the two impact one another to create a stronger literacy experience for students.


 * Key words:** reading-writing connection, motivation, self-efficacy, pedagogy

self-efficacy- having confidence in yourself and your performance pedagogy- the style of teaching an educator uses

I decided to do my topic on writing influences because I really wanted to know for myself how writing impacts reading. For this reason, I could see why writing should be incorporated into my daily teaching, and back it up with evidence on how it influences reading. From my experience in the schools and a topic that is discussed among my fellow educators, it appeared that writing has become only somewhat important in the curriculum. From my own experience during student teaching, my teacher didn't have time to create a writing period, but there were other requirements that took the time. Of course my mentor teacher incorporated writing into most of her subjects. For that, I wanted to see how writing is crucial to literacy, particularly reading achievement.

To do my research, I went online through our library database under ERIC and searched for articles that were peer review within the last ten years. The publication type was reports research, and I typed in key words that related to my topic. The first idea was "reading-writing connection." With this, I found some articles relating to my interest and expanded from there. If I couldn't find articles that I was really interested in, I refined my search by looking at the references on the articles I already had, and searched new ideas or authors. Eventually I found enough sources with various reports on my general idea that would support my topic.

I discovered that both the teacher and student play crucial roles in literacy development, which seems obvious, but this broke it down to make it more clear on the factors of each role. I also found a lot of strong connections between reading and writing that promote productive literacy. After reading many articles, I tried to blend two ideas together to discuss reading-writing connection and writing influence, which is evident in my final literature review. Image retrieved from: http://crane-ium.blogspot.com/2011/07/writing-half-century-of-changes.html

Here is a list of references I used that helped me form my topic for the literature review. There are three with a short description on why I found the article informative and important for my topic.

Andie's references


 * Implications for different Wiki readers **


 * If you are a parent/guardian:** The results I found are important to parents for many reasons. Although I am not a parent, I know that it is important to keep parents involved in their child's education. My topic explains how reading and writing are related, which help increase literacy performance by using writing as a tool to aid reading. Reading is stressed often, but with the research I found, writing is another guiding tool that influences reading.

One consideration when working with your child is keeping them motivated. Find what their interest are and use writing daily to encourage it. Write a note to put in your child's backpack. Keep a journal with your child. Write them an encouraging letter. With this, students could be more open and motivated to write.

Also, it seems that a teacher who values literacy can bring that enthusiasm into their teaching, which can influence students attitudes and beliefs. The same idea applies for parents and guardians. If a child is exposed to daily literacy activities, they are more likely to understand the importance of it.

Reading and writing are tools of literacy that bounce off each other. In my opinion, reading influences writing, and writing influences reading. The two are inseparably inseparable!


 * If you are an educator:** The same ideas apply for the educator. One would assume that reading and writing are inseparable, and through my research I discovered some of the strong connections the two have, such as strength in reading comprehension. Through literacy activities, students are sometimes required to reflect upon their reading through writing. Not only are students practicing comprehension, but they are writers, writers on what the main idea is, writers stating their opinions, organizing their ideas, practicing grammar and so on. There are two important factors that I discovered through completing my literature review.

Motivation, self-efficacy, and attitude are huge factors that play into literacy production from students. As facilitators, we should use strategies and methods that increase their motivation. Although my literature review didn't go into too much detail on the ways this could be done, some ideas are giving them choice in the activities you present, and incorporating technology into their daily curriculum. With motivation, students are able to grow confidently in the direction of their needs and interest. The students role is only half of what makes a successful atmosphere.

As I previously stated, it isn't evident that teachers interests outside of the classroom should heavily be literacy related to have a successful outcome from their students, however, the values teachers have on literacy can help increase students motivation and attitude. I know this isn't always going to be authentic in every situation, but with the extra enthusiasm an educator exudes, the more likely students will feed off that energy.

Image retrieved from: http://www.mchumor.com/writer2_bframe.html


 * Resources: **

In the link below, I provide some websites with a brief description on why it is useful for educators, and how it supports my topic and research findings. The sites are generally based around writing, teaching writing, writing ideas, lessons on writing, and etc. I also thought it was important to incorporate copyright laws.

Teacher resources for writing

In this link I give parents/guardians websites their children can visit to practice writing. I tried to keep in mind that they should be informative, interactive, and easy to navigate.

Parent resources With these resources, all students are able to find something they are interested in, but also informs parents on the importance of writing through an interactive and engaging approach. Of course each site is literacy friendly, yet I guided you to the writing area.