A recent study reveals that encouraging children to engage in invented writing (or “riting”) can significantly enhance their reading abilities. We all know that reading is one of the essential skills in life, unlocking a world of knowledge—from math and science to art. For ages, parents and educators have employed various strategies to teach kids how to read, relying on flashcards, phonics, and memorizing letters. However, this new research suggests that fostering a love for writing might be an even more effective approach.
Benefits of Writing
So, what are the benefits of writing? A study featured in the January 2017 issue of Developmental Psychology found that invented spelling has a more profound impact on young readers than traditional methods like memorizing the alphabet or sight words. As noted by Parent.co, the findings indicate that writing and reading skills develop together, and reading may depend more on writing than we previously thought.
The study involved 171 children in their first year of school, who were evaluated for their oral vocabulary, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, word reading, and invented spelling. After a year, researchers looked at their reading and spelling skills. The results showed that encouraging kids to write frequently, even with “creative” or misspelled words, is crucial for their reading development. “The act of inventing a spelling greatly increases the child’s chances of breaking the code and learning to read by the end of first grade,” explains Dr. Emma Collins, a leading expert in child psychology.
The Importance of Practice
Dr. Collins highlights that practice—whether it’s reading or inventing spellings—helps the brain improve. This means that allowing kids to experiment with spelling enhances their decision-making skills instead of just rote memorization. While some parents and teachers might worry that letting children spell words incorrectly could hinder their learning, the researchers found the opposite to be true. In fact, there’s a clear link between early invented spelling and improved conventional spelling and reading skills later on.
Dr. Collins encourages parents and educators to resist the urge to correct spelling mistakes right away. Instead, they should encourage their children to read aloud what they’ve written. So, instead of stressing about the spelling in “I LUV U” or “MOM IZ PRETEE,” parents can feel good about celebrating these creative expressions. They’re not just adorable notes; they’re stepping stones toward becoming more engaged readers.
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Conclusion
In summary, encouraging your child to write, even with spelling errors, can foster their reading skills. Embrace their creativity and watch them thrive.