A recent study reveals that creative writing (or ‘riting’) fosters better reading skills in children. It’s no secret that reading is a fundamental pillar of education—it’s essential and enjoyable! Reading opens up a world of knowledge, from mathematics to science to the arts. Throughout history, parents, educators, and researchers have employed various techniques to teach kids to read, such as flashcards, sight words, phonetic drills, and alphabet songs. However, it appears that one of the most effective ways to enhance a child’s reading ability might not involve reading at all.
What’s the Secret?
Writing, particularly with imaginative spelling! Research published in the January 2017 edition of the journal Child Development indicates that invented spelling can significantly influence a child’s reading progress, more so than learning the alphabet or rote memorization of sight words. This means that writing and reading skills develop side by side, and surprisingly, reading may depend more on writing than we previously thought.
The study involved 171 first graders who were assessed on various literacy skills, including oral vocabulary, letter knowledge, phonological awareness, word recognition, and invented spelling. After a year, researchers revisited their reading and spelling abilities. The findings suggest that encouraging children to write frequently—even if they use “brave spelling,” as their teacher might call it—is crucial for developing reading skills.
“The process of inventing spellings greatly enhances a child’s ability to decode words and learn to read by the end of first grade,” explains Dr. Lisa Mendez, a developmental psychologist. She elaborates that as children practice invented spelling, they actively engage in decision-making rather than passively memorizing.
Addressing Concerns
Some parents and teachers might fear that allowing kids to spell words incorrectly could hinder their learning of proper spelling. However, the research indicates just the opposite: there is a clear correlation between early invented spelling and improved conventional spelling and reading performance later on. Dr. Mendez encourages parents and educators to resist the temptation to correct young spellers and instead have them read back what they’ve written. In other words, we might need to chill out a bit! The creative spelling our kids produce isn’t detrimental—it’s beneficial!
We often cherish our children’s handwritten notes that say things like “I LUV U” or “MOM IZ PRETY.” Now we have an added reason to celebrate these adorable messages and proudly display them on the fridge—they’re not just cute; they’re also instrumental in helping our kids become more engaged readers!
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Conclusion
In summary, encouraging children to write—even with inventive spelling—can significantly enhance their reading abilities. By fostering creativity in writing, parents and educators can help children unlock the mysteries of reading and become more confident learners.
Keyphrase: Encourage Writing for Better Reading Skills
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