#111: Teaching Writing Is Essential to Reading Success with Dr. Steve Graham
Writing Isn’t an Extra—It’s the Engine
You’ve probably felt it: writing gets pushed aside. It’s squeezed into Friday afternoons (if there’s time), treated like a bonus activity, or handed over to workbook pages.
But here’s what the research—and real classroom experience—is telling us: writing isn’t just something nice to do. It’s essential. And not just for producing better writers, but for building stronger readers.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Steve Graham, one of the most respected researchers in literacy instruction, to uncover how teaching writing—yes, even in PreK–2—directly supports reading development.
How Writing Powers Reading Skills
According to Dr. Graham, writing helps students:
- Understand how language works (syntax, grammar, structure)
- Internalize text features they’ll later encounter while reading
- Apply phonics in a meaningful way
- Strengthen comprehension by organizing and expressing ideas
And when kids are taught to plan, organize, and revise their writing? That same cognitive power shows up in how they think through texts.
“Reading and writing are not twins, but they are siblings. They support each other in powerful ways.” — Dr. Steve Graham
4 Key Elements of Effective Writing Instruction (Even in PreK–2)
Dr. Graham emphasizes that powerful writing instruction doesn’t mean lengthy essays or perfectly punctuated paragraphs. It means:
- Transcription Skills
Handwriting and spelling matter. If kids can’t get their ideas on paper, they can’t develop writing fluency. - Sentence Construction
Teaching kids how to write clear, complete sentences gives them control over language—and boosts reading comprehension. - Planning & Revising
Even young writers can learn how to organize their thoughts and rethink their writing. - Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD)
This is a powerful, evidence-based method where students are explicitly taught strategies for planning, writing, and reflecting. (Even first graders can do this!)
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Why writing is a missing link in reading instruction
- How early writing builds phonics, fluency, and comprehension
- What the research says about SRSD and young learners
- Four priorities for writing instruction in early grades
- What to do if you have “no time” for writing in your schedule
Bringing It All Together
If you’ve ever felt like writing is something you should do—but don’t have the time, resources, or confidence—this episode is your permission slip to start small, and start smart.
Teaching writing isn’t extra. It’s foundational. And when we treat it that way, we give our students one of the strongest tools for unlocking reading success.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula
If you’re ready to make writing instruction feel doable—and aligned with how students actually learn—join The Science of Reading Formula. You’ll get tools, coaching, and a supportive community of PreK–2 teachers who are implementing with clarity and confidence.
Join the Science of Reading Formula
LINKS
Dr. Steve Graham’s Faculty Page at ASU
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
WHAT TO LISTEN TO NEXT
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