Radio Commentary
People generally talk about reading
and writing together because many of the skills that make children successful
at one make them good at the other.
For example, one important reading
skill that benefits from writing practice is identifying of details.
Parents should encourage children
to provide details in their own stories. This will help them become more aware
of the way other authors use detail.
One writing exercise requiring
details is to have children give directions. Ask them to write very
specifically how to get from home to school, or how to make a peanut butter and
jelly sandwich.
When children write thank-you notes
to friends or relatives, have them describe in detail the item and how they
will use it.
You can also have children use a
clipboard when watching TV. Have them jot down ad slogans that use good
details.
They might write down phrases such
as “the brightest, sharpest photos” or “crispy, crunchy crackers.”
On family outings, you can ask
children to describe the “prettiest” thing they see, or the most “unusual.”
Then challenge them to list as many details as they can.
One way teachers measure
improvement in young writers is to look at their use of details. The same is
also true for improving reading comprehension:
details matter.
