Without reading, there cannot be writing. In order to students to become better writers, they must be readers. I was very fortunate this past year to have students who loved to read. They loved to go to the school or class library and often had several books in their desks. I loved their enthusiasm for wanting to read and learning how to read more successfully. The problem is that I did not require my students to really respond to their independent reading.
The students would complete a reading log every night, documenting the number of pages they would read, but that would be the extent of what I would ask of them. The students did not have to create a response, review, or summary of their independent reading books. I now know that I missed valuable teaching opportunities. The students were reading, but I need to have them writing about what they are reading in order to ensure that they comprehend the stories they are choosing. I did not stop to ask the students what they are reading, their thoughts, and how well they understand.
If the students are writing about what they are reading then they should be able to explain the complexities happening in the novels. However, I did not find out this information because they were not asked to do any of these types of exercises. I do not know if my students were reading books that were too easy or far too difficult for them.
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Did you ever do literature circles with your class? It gives them a chance to do brief, focused writing about what they have read. And since they get to choose the book circle they are in, they are reading something that appeals to them and are therefor engaged in both reading and writing about it. I have been in love with the idea, and finally started it last year in 3rd grade, and the kids really enjoyed it. I definitely plan to take the idea to 7th grade. There are a couple of websites with decent printouts for kids to use for the different roles - it's one way to get them writing about reading in a definitely non-overwhelming way.
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