Research shows that reading and writing are interconnected and interdependent, and that a child’s literacy development is dependent upon the integration of both.
The Common Core State Standards further emphasize vocabulary knowledge, close reading, and text-based writing as ways to improve students’ reading comprehension and academic achievement.
Vocabulary – an essential component of reading success
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) emphasize the importance of vocabulary by making it one of the key components of the English Language Arts standards. A strong correlation exists between vocabulary development and one’s ability to read and write, and the National Reading Panel considers vocabulary one of the five essential skills in teaching children to read.
Reading – gaining deeper understanding of the text
The Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts require deep understanding of text, such as referring explicitly to text when answering questions. Rereading is an essential strategy and should be part of every student’s literacy practice. For example, when students begin to think about, learn, and apply the different genres of text and discipline-specific language, they are addressing the English Language Arts standards.
Writing – improves comprehension
Across all content areas, comprehension improves when students write about a text they are reading. Writing support such as graphic organizers, answering questions, and teaching specific text structures help to improve comprehension.
How do you integrate vocabulary, reading, and writing?
To supplement your core curriculum, Evan-Moor developed the Common Core Lessons series to provide students with vocabulary, reading, and writing activities that explicitly address the new, rigorous standards. This supplemental resource helps students demonstrate comprehension through:
- Comprehensive, scaffolded vocabulary practice
- Close reading activities
- Interaction with the text (explain reasoning, identify important information, and make inferences)
- Research-based writing support, including graphic organizers to help students gather and organize information to plan their writing
- Examination of text structures and text-based writing prompts
Common Core Lessons Samplers:
We hope that you will preview and try out these sample lessons with your students.
Text-Based Writing: Nonfiction
Reading Literary Text: Sampler, coming soon.
You can view this product here.
Please share your ideas for integrating vocabulary, close reading, and writing activities in your lesson plans!
Contributing Writer
Theresa Wooler has more than 10 years’ experience in K–6 classrooms as a parent volunteer, has taught high school English, and is currently involved in education through Evan-Moor’s marketing communications team.