During every writing residency, I have at the same exchange at least a few times.
“Read me what you wrote today.”
“I don’t know how to read.”
“Yes, you do! Read as I point to your words.”
Often I say the first word or two, but then I get the student to ‘read’ the rest. Because our youngest writers have drawn first and the writing is scaffolded, they are able to ‘read’ as we point to one word at a time.
“I knew you knew how to read!”
<fist pump>
<grinning from ear to ear>
Sometimes we have to convince students they are readers and writers, showing our confidence in them until they find their own. For many, this is an important step in the journey!
❤️ Such a powerful perspective on supporting young learners in developing an agentive identity as Readers and Authors—starting with their own stories!
I love this success story. Thanks for sharing and reminding us teachers that so many students just need our belief in them and some encouragement.