Closing the K-2 learning gap through systematic writing instruction

Key points:

With educators under enormous pressure to make sure students meet grade level standards in reading and math, writing often takes a back seat in the curriculum, as many literacy experts have observed. Yet, this omission has a profound effect on students’ literacy skills.

According to one analysis, half of U.S. eighth graders struggle with long-form writing on tests and classwork. Not only does this affect their ability to communicate effectively, it also affects their reading skills, because writing and literacy are closely linked.

Writing improves students’ reading fluency. When students are writing words and sentences, they’re making deeper connections to letter patterns, which makes it easier for them to recall similar patterns when they read. Writing also sharpens reading comprehension as the process of crafting arguments or narratives helps students better understand and interpret an author’s intent when reading.

Building foundational literacy skills through systematic writing instruction in the early grades is critical for students’ long-term success. And while this has always been true, it has become even more urgent in the wake of the pandemic, as data suggests that our youngest students are entering school with poorer literacy skills than before COVID.

As the Wall Street Journal reports, kindergarten students tested in 2023 were about 2 percentage points less likely to begin school at grade level in reading, compared to 2019 data. Although many of these students missed out on preschool experiences during the pandemic that would have prepared them for grade level reading, implementing systematic writing instruction in the early grades can help bridge this gap.

What systematic writing instruction looks like

Learning how to write should go hand-in-hand with learning how to read. As students begin recognizing individual letters and letter sounds, for instance, they should simultaneously practice writing those letters by hand to reinforce their understanding.

Although today’s students are digital natives who have grown up with keyboards and screens, research shows that writing by hand has positive effects on the developing brain. MRI scans at Indiana University found that when children practiced writing letters by hand, their neural activity was far more enhanced than those who’d simply looked at their letters, which helps the learning “stick” more effectively.

As children learn to decode words and sentences, teachers can reinforce this skill by teaching sentence structure, engaging students in sentence-building activities while providing structured handwriting practice.

Once students progress to reading full paragraphs and passages, teachers can have students write short summaries of what they’ve read in their own words, which also improves their comprehension. In addition, teachers can use prompts, journaling, and other guided writing exercises to ensure that students are getting the practice they need to further develop their writing skills.

Effective writing instruction shares many of the same characteristics as high-quality reading instruction. It should include logically sequenced lessons, aligned with literacy standards and curriculum. It should provide scaffolded opportunities for students to learn with supports in place. And it should enable students to practice in small groups, receive feedback, and receive additional intervention as necessary, such as one-on-one instruction.

Schools can help teachers provide systematic writing instruction by providing coaching and professional development, as well as supplemental curriculum tools that support writing instruction.

Extending writing practice beyond school

Students learn most effectively when they have opportunities to practice and apply their skills beyond the school day. Teachers can facilitate the development of students’ writing skills by giving parents simple yet practical ideas for supporting their children’s writing at home.

For instance, parents can have their children practice writing by labeling household items or creating a daily to-do list. Parents also might work with their children on writing letters to family members or creating their own books or stories.

In addition, schools can encourage at-home writing practice by sending students home with flash cards or other manipulatives that help them build sentences and by using supplemental online curriculum platforms that students can log into from home.

Poor writing skills can have a compounding effect on student achievement, while also limiting students’ ability to communicate effectively. By integrating systematic writing instruction into the K-2 curriculum, educators can close early literacy gaps and give students the foundation they need for future success.