ED+601+Jigsaw+Project+Rationale

"Writing is an essential part of a comprehensive literacy program, and helps to develop a students understanding of it" (Reutzel & Cooter, p. 329). Sometimes we forget that writing is so important in the literacy aspect of our teaching, but it is important to remember how reading and writing are connected in many important ways. For instance, they are "complementary and essential processes of communication" (Reutzel & Cooter, p. 281) and that is in and outside of school. Reading and writing are dependent on the same cognitive processes. "Writing is pointless without a reader to receive a message" (Reutzel & Cooter, p. 281) and it is also impossible to read something if there is nobody to write it. All in all, "learning to write helps children become better readers" (Reutzel & Cooter, p. 281)

There are many benefits associated with journal writing including: giving the teacher insights about their students, increase students' confidence and comprehension, flexibility to allow every student to participate in the journal activity at his/her own ability level and freedom of expression. Journal writing can reduce students' stress and is recommended by the Attention-Deficit Disorder Help Center for this purpose. Journal writing also allows for creative expression in an increasingly standardized curriculum. It can act as an avenue for children's home culture to enter the classroom. Journals can be used across the curriculum.

Anybody have a good quote for why writing is important for literacy? I'm not sure how to phrase it in the Powerpoint (which is looking great, so far, BTW). I added some stuff to the above paragraph, but also made it read pretty awfully. If anyone can make it more eloquent, have a go at it! -Keith

Here are quotes from the textbook about writing (and literacy/reading) "Writing helps crystalize their understanding of a comprehensive literacy program." "It is an essential part of a comprehensive literacy program" (both p. 329)

"Writing is pointless without a reader to receive a message." "Writing and reading are complementary and essential processes of communication" "learning to write helps children become better readers." (p. 281)

"Writing and reading are reciprocal processes that simply must be taught together." "They are dependent upon shared cognitive abilities" (p. 282)

"Writing process instruction teaches the kinds of thinking processes skilled writers use in different forms of text." (p. 305)

ANOTHER quote that helps connect to journals "it is helpful to engage in free writing" (p. 307)