When we think about writing and reading processes, many of us tend to see them as separate things. However, research has shown that reading and writing are more interdependent than we originally thought. During the past decade or so, more and more educators have made connections between reading and writing for their students.
One way to make these connections is through the use of journaling assignments that are designed to integrate both processes. These journal entries are not only an excellent way to demonstrate writing skill, but they also can be a diagnostic tool for teachers to see how well their students understand and connect with text.
A student might write a journal entry that describes a difficult time they experienced in their life or what they did to overcome the challenge. For example, they might describe the time a family member died or a difficult task they faced. As they were writing their journal, the student might then look at a book or article that related to this topic.
These articles may be fiction or nonfiction, but they are important to the writing process because they provide a model for students to emulate. They might help them recognize a theme or plot arc that can be repeated in their own stories.
They can also teach students how to organize and structure their writing. For example, they might notice the alliterative styles of a certain type of literature and use those techniques to create their own pieces.
Another benefit to journaling is that it can be a useful source of ideas and inspiration for writing. It is especially helpful when a student needs to find the “next big idea” for a piece of writing. In fact, in her 2004 essay entitled “Developing ‘Interesting Thoughts’: Reading for Research,” writing teacher Janette Martin describes a student who used the French philosopher Michel Foucault’s Discipline and Punish to inspire a paper on discipline as it pertains to being a collegiate athlete.
Other examples of how reading and writing can be connected are found in the writing of Adrienne Rich. In her essay, she blends personal narrative with academic argument to show that we need to constantly “revise” our lives in the light of new experiences and ideas.
A third way that reading and writing are linked is through the practice of critical reading. It is through this that we can explore different topics and develop a sense of our own interests and values.
In addition, reading and writing can both teach us how to think critically and analytically. As a result, reading and writing can be used to teach us how to discuss complicated or difficult issues with others, to persuade and be persuaded, and to act.
The best thing about integrating writing and reading is that it can help students develop their literacy skills, expand their knowledge of the world around them, and develop more creative thinking. It is an important step for students to take in their literacy development because it can be a powerful tool for achieving academic success.
