The Science of Reading … and Writing
January 17, 2023
In schools’ haste to align reading instruction with scientific evidence, have they neglected writing? In our newest report, Education Week digs deep into the place of writing instruction in elementary literacy, concluding that the “science of reading” might more properly be called the science of reading and writing.
The stories—all rooted in research—detail ways that teachers can embed writing throughout the elementary curriculum. For example, writing can enhance foundational reading skills and students’ knowledge of how words and sentences work. And throughout K-5, students need explicit writing instruction, modeling, tools, and access to rich content so that they can write in increasingly sophisticated ways.
We hope our report will be a foundation for schools to meet the goal of getting all children to be proficient readers and writers.
The stories—all rooted in research—detail ways that teachers can embed writing throughout the elementary curriculum. For example, writing can enhance foundational reading skills and students’ knowledge of how words and sentences work. And throughout K-5, students need explicit writing instruction, modeling, tools, and access to rich content so that they can write in increasingly sophisticated ways.
We hope our report will be a foundation for schools to meet the goal of getting all children to be proficient readers and writers.
Reading & Literacy How Does Writing Fit Into the ‘Science of Reading’?Writing in the early grades is often segmented off from reading. Research suggests teaching them together is both efficient and effective.
Reading & Literacy Explainer 'Encoding' Explained: What It Is and Why It's Essential to LiteracyFrom children's earliest strokes on a page to letter formation and spelling, writing helps students connect speech to print.
Reading & Literacy Young Writers Need Structure to Learn the Craft. How Much Is Enough?Writing instruction should give students both tools and exemplars they can use—and frequent opportunities to practice them at length.
Reading & Literacy Q&A How One District Found Success by Overhauling Writing InstructionThe district anchored its new approach to writing in rich content linked to its new English/language arts curriculum.
Reading & Literacy 4 Ways Reading and Writing Interlock: What the Research SaysHere's a cheat sheet for understanding what research tells us about how the two disciplines connect in literacy instruction.
Reading & Literacy Download How to Integrate Writing Throughout Your Elementary Reading Program (Download)Our resource can help orient your classroom, building, or district's approach to elementary-level writing instruction.
