Abstract
In the chapter How To Teach Your Pupils To Read As Writers, from our book How To Teach Writing, we delve into the crucial pedagogical approach of teaching pupils to read as writers, a sophisticated form of reading that transcends mere reading comprehension. It emphasises the importance of students noticing and emulating the craft moves of accomplished authors, thereby enhancing their own writing skills. The chapter outlines a structured method for integrating this practice into class writing projects, beginning with the establishment of a clear publishing goal and showcasing mentor texts to pupils.
The core of the chapter focuses on various interactive reading sessions designed to engage students deeply with texts. Activities include reading for pleasure, ranking texts, close readings, and analysing unsuccessful texts to identify common pitfalls. Each session is crafted to help students identify and articulate the techniques they admire and wish to incorporate into their own writing. The teacher’s role is pivotal in facilitating discussions, documenting insights, and contributing to the development of success criteria (product goals).
The chapter concludes with guidelines for transitioning from reading as writers to generating writing ideas, ensuring alignment with curriculum requirements, and maintaining student engagement. It provides practical tips for using mentor texts effectively, including the creation of a visually appealing final success criteria. By fostering a classroom environment rich in high-quality literature and guided exploration, this approach aims to nurture a richer understanding and appreciation of the writing craft among students.
To find out more, download our book How To Teach Writing here.
