AIM Institute’s 2024 Research to Practice Symposium examined the intersection of reading and writing to provide educators with insights for classroom practice. Sonia Q. Cabell's enlightening presentation provided an in-depth look at how integrating writing into early childhood education can significantly enhance reading skills.
In this blog, we review her key insights, emphasizing the crucial role of writing in the literacy development of young learners.
The journey toward literacy begins from the earliest moments of a child's life. This formative period, spanning from birth to age 5, is critical for establishing the foundational skills necessary for later reading success. It represents a unique window of opportunity where the literacy skill gap among children is relatively narrow, highlighting the importance of early interventions to bridge potential disparities. The concept of Scarborough's Reading Rope serves as a cornerstone, illustrating that targeted efforts during this period can have a lasting impact on a child's literacy trajectory.
The foundational skills that predict reading success also forecast a child's ability in early writing. This interdependence suggests that literacy development in young children is not a tale of two separate skills but a cohesive narrative of interconnected abilities. Essential early literacy skills such as phonological awareness, print knowledge, vocabulary, and grammar form the foundation for both reading and writing. The emphasis on early spelling and composing activities is particularly crucial, as they directly contribute to reading proficiency. Research supports the correlation between oral language skills and spelling, as well as the relationship between phonological awareness and composing abilities.
Not only does the starting point of a child's literacy journey matter, but the rate of development in early skills plays a pivotal role as well. Accelerating the growth of foundational language and literacy skills enables children to capitalize on further learning opportunities more effectively.
Among the strategies to boost these early skills, interactive read-alouds and explicit instruction in alphabet knowledge are fundamental. However, the role of early writing activities as a catalyst for literacy development cannot be overstated, offering a practical avenue for enhancing children's understanding of written language and its mechanics.
Incorporating writing into the curriculum for preschool and kindergarten students, often looks like shared pen activities, child-dictated writing, or journaling. These are vital strategies that deepen children's grasp of writing mechanics and the intricacies of language. Such activities not only teach children about the code of writing but also facilitate teacher-child conversations that scaffold their learning. By evaluating children's writing, educators can tailor instruction to help them progress in their literacy development, bridging the gap between understanding and application.
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Sonia Q. Cabell's presentation at the 2024 Symposium not only highlighted the importance of early writing in promoting reading skills but also provided a compelling argument for its integration into early childhood education. This approach to literacy, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between reading and writing, offers a promising path to enriching the literacy experiences of young learners.
If you'd like to discover more about equipping all your staff members, from leaders and teachers to specialists and paraeducators, with effective learning opportunities, let’s start a conversation.
You can also join AIM experts for a three-part conversation about the book Strive-For-Five Conversations by Sonia Q. Cabell and Tricia A. Zucker. The online book study will kick off with a session led by the authors and include follow up conversations in an interactive setting with AIM's Dr. Megan Gierka and Nicole Ormandy. Sign up here.
About AIM Institute: The AIM Institute for Learning & Research® is a non-profit center for educational excellence and professional development, providing educators with the latest research, technology, and best practices in the fields of literacy and language-based learning disabilities.