How do reading and writing go hand in hand?

Students often hear from their teachers,  "You can become a better writer by reading, and a better reader by writing." But, many students and adults say, "How does that happen?"

When children read or are read to, they are exposed to language. Language is vocabulary. Therefore, children are exposed to vocabulary and modeled how vocabulary creates meaningful language. In turn, when children are exposed to vocabulary, it allows them to practice vocabulary words through their own writings.

The Wisconsin Education Association Council (www.weac.org) promotes reading, writing, math and promotes great learning environments. In their brochure, Writing, they pinpoint suggestions to help your child become a writer. They suggest:

* Fill your home with talk - talk with your children, listen to what they have to say, and encourage wordplay (rhyming, role playing, and making up stories).

* Support reading - Read to your children, take them to the library, and be a reading model!

* Provide a writing place - Furnish an area in your home for writing - a table or desk, writing tools (paper, pencils, crayons, markers) and set up a daily silent writing time.

* Communicate in writing at home - Organize a chalkboard or bulletin board for communications, allow your child to be involved in family operations, such as helping to write the shopping lists.

* Offer to help - Take time to work with your child on school writing when they ask for help, be patient, let your child know what you like about their writings, and don't overcriticize.

*Work with the school - Teachers need the partnership of parents. Your knowledge and support of the school program will be a major factor in your child's success.