Compelling Question: How can I use writing to support my students' reading comprehension of a text?
In my experiences as an elementary school teacher, there has always been emphasis placed on the written comprehension aspect of students' reading. When it comes to students' mClass reading scores, it seems that so many of their scores are hindered due to the written component. Although they may not demonstrate proficiency based on the written aspect of the assessment, many students will demonstrate that they can accurately read and proficiently understand the text through their read aloud and responses to oral comprehension questions. According to research, writing about a text should enhance comprehension because it provides students with a tool for visibly and permanently recording, connecting, analyzing, personalizing, and manipulating key ideas in text (Graham & Herbert, 2010). Since writing should enhance comprehension, my rationale for this project was to discover ways to use writing to support students' reading, rather than hinder it.
Many courses, such as Teachers as Writers and Teachers as Leaders, have helped me better understand the impact of writing on reading. Through all of my work during this cohort at NCSU, I have found that when students write about their reading in an authentic and meaningful way, it enhances their understanding of a text. I have also discovered that books are essential in connecting reading and writing together, which makes it necessary to immerse students in as much literature as possible.
About Me: To learn more about me, watch this video!