The Power of Reading

The Power of Reading: Building Stronger Writers

Reading and writing go hand in hand—strong readers often become strong writers. When children immerse themselves in books, they absorb new vocabulary, understand sentence structures, and develop creativity, all of which contribute to their writing skills. But how can we encourage a love of reading that will enhance writing ability? Here are some age-specific strategies to cultivate reading enthusiasm and, in turn, foster better writing skills.

Junior Readers 

At this stage, children are just beginning their literacy journey. To spark their interest in books:

• Read aloud daily to expose them to rich language and storytelling.
• Let them see you reading—modelling the behaviour helps reinforce its value.
• Encourage storytelling by asking them to describe pictures or create their own endings.

Middle & Senior Readers 

As children develop stronger reading skills, they can start making deeper connections between reading and writing:

• Provide a variety of books, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and graphic novels.
• Encourage them to keep a reading journal where they can write reflections on their favourite stories, or alternatively, they could write book reviews.
• Discuss books together, asking open-ended questions about characters, plots, and themes.
• Inspire them to write their own stories based on books they love.

By fostering a lifelong love of reading, we empower students to become stronger, more confident writers. Whether through bedtime stories, book clubs, or personal writing projects, reading remains one of the most powerful tools for developing literacy skills. Let’s continue to inspire and support our young readers and writers!

Encouraging a Love for Reading in Our Classrooms

At FPS, we believe in fostering a love for reading, which is why teachers set aside some quiet reading time during the day or after lunch play, allowing students to reset, relax, and prepare for their learning. See the different classroom reading spaces – pictured below. This special time helps students develop strong reading habits while creating a calm and focused learning environment. We encourage our students to explore new stories, expand their imagination, and discover the joy of reading every day!

We look forward to another fantastic year of literary exploration and growth. Happy reading and writing!

~ Binh Hoang, Literacy Learning Specialist