Early and Elementary Writing

Instruction (Pre-K-5): Benefits

of Quality Instruction,
Engagement, and Commitment
to Increased Time

Katie Smith and Brittany Thompson

Longwood University
Drag your dot to how you are feeling about
your current writing instruction:

AMAZING! It is okay. I need help!

Current Trends With
Writing Instruction
●Decreased emphasis at the

early/elementary level
● Type of instruction and
amount of time spent on
writing continues to vary
drastically across classrooms
along with engagement
opportunities
What Are Best Practices?
 Integration: Supporting BOTH
Reading and Writing
● Targeting stressful
time-constraints
● Reading and writing
are both
strengthened as
literacy develops in
synchrony

Graham, S., Liu, X., Aitken, A., Ng, C., Bartlett, B., Harris, K., & Holzapfel, J. (2018). Effectiveness of literacy programs balancing reading and writing instruction: A meta-analysis.
Reading Research Quarterly, 53(3), 279-304. doi:10.1002/rrq.194
 Writing for thinking
● Interactive Think Sheet can
increase reading “Writing is thinking. To write
comprehension
well is to think clearly.
● Supports integration and
relationship between reading That’s why it’s so hard.”
and writing — David McCullough

*Check out the example provided

on the handout!
Collins, J., Lee, J., Fox, J., & Madigan, T. (2017). Bringing together reading and writing: An experimental study of writing intensive reading comprehension in
low-performing urban elementary schools. Reading Research Quarterly, 52(3), 311-332.
 ENgaging with technology
Let's Explore!
● iPad applications encouraged
Using the iPads on the positive behaviors socially
table, you can begin and academically
creating! ● Improved the overall quality
of student writing- visualizing,
sequencing, and/or sensory
details
Sessions, L., Kang, M., & Womack, S. (2016). The neglected
“r”: Improving writing instruction through ipad apps.
Techtrends : Linking Research

and Practice to Improve Learning Publication of the

Sessions, L., Kang, M., & Womack, S. (2016). The neglected “r”: Improving writing instruction through ipad apps. Techtrends : Linking Research and Practice to
Association for Educational Communications & Technology,
Improve Learning Publication of the Association for Educational Communications & Technology, 60(3), 218-225. doi:10.1007/s11528-016-0041-8
60(3), 218-225.
Conclusion
● Writing can be used as a means to make sense of reading and this skill should be taught
in a direct, explicit manner. The use of interactive think sheets is one way to foster this
relationship.
● Balancing reading and writing instruction can improve both reading and writing skills.
● Relevant and engaging teaching practices, including integrating technology, throughout
early and elementary education promotes the development of quality writing and
encourages key decision making skills for students
Draw or type 2 take-a-ways from today’s
session:
References
Coker, D., Farley-Ripple, E., Jackson, A., Wen, H., MacArthur, C., & Jennings, A. (2016). Writing instruction in first grade: An
observational study. Reading and Writing : An Interdisciplinary Journal, 29(5), 793-832. doi:10.1007/s11145-015-9596-6.

Coker, D., Jennings, A., Farley-Ripple, E., & MacArthur, C. (2018). The type of writing instruction and practice matters: The direct
and indirect effects of writing instruction and student practice on reading achievement. Journal of Educational
Psychology, 110(4), 502-517.

Collins, J., Lee, J., Fox, J., & Madigan, T. (2017). Bringing together reading and writing: An experimental study of writing intensive
reading comprehension in low-performing urban elementary schools. Reading Research Quarterly, 52(3), 311-332.

Graham, S., Liu, X., Aitken, A., Ng, C., Bartlett, B., Harris, K., & Holzapfel, J. (2018). Effectiveness of literacy programs balancing
reading and writing instruction: A meta-analysis. Reading Research Quarterly, 53(3), 279-304. doi:10.1002/rrq.194

Kilpatrick, D. (2015). Essentials of assessing, preventing, and overcoming reading difficulties. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons, Inc.
References
Korth, B., Wimmer, J., Wilcox, B., Morrison, T., Harward, S., Peterson, N., Pierce, L. (2017). Practices and challenges of writing
instruction in k-2 classrooms: A case study of five primary grade teachers. Early Childhood Education Journal, 45(2), 237-
249. doi:10.1007/s10643-016-0774-1

Sessions, L., Kang, M., & Womack, S. (2016). The neglected “r”: Improving writing instruction through ipad apps. Techtrends :
Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning Publication of the Association for Educational Communications &
Technology, 60(3), 218-225. doi:10.1007/s11528-016-0041-8