Why Writing is Just as Important as Reading in Early Education
Early education typically prioritizes reading, which makes sense. Books provide access to language, imagination, and knowledge. But here’s something we don’t highlight enough: writing matters as much. Should it come later? Not really. It belongs at the beginning, right there next to reading.
What is the relationship between writing and reading? They’re a duo—like peanut butter and jelly. You can’t have one thrive without the other. Writing helps children express themselves, sharpen their thinking, and become stronger readers. So let’s dig into why writing is as essential during those early years—and how we can nurture both skills side by side.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Reading and Writing
At first glance, reading and writing might seem like separate skills, but they’re intertwined. When children write, they not only practice grammar and spelling, but they also apply what they’ve learned via reading. Consider reading as the collection of basic elements, and consider writing as the process of transforming those elements into something distinctively personal.
Take a child who reads a book about animals. They’re not just memorizing names—they’re inspired to write about what they’ve learned. That act of putting thoughts into words reinforces how language works and deepens their grasp of its structure. Reading on its own can sometimes feel passive, but writing brings that experience to life. It encourages active participation, making the learning process more meaningful and engaging.
Writing Boosts Thinking Power
Writing is more than scribbles and sentences—it’s mental gymnastics for young minds. It teaches kids how to line up their thoughts, shape ideas, and turn abstract notions into something they can see and share. Even when kids are simply doodling or writing “stories” filled with backwards letters, their brains are working tirelessly. They’re making choices: How do I spell this? What comes next? Does this make sense? It’s these little puzzles that build big thinking muscles.
Early writing encourages children to:
- Put events in order (first, then, finally).
- Understand how actions lead to outcomes.
- Spot similarities and differences.
- Reflect on their daily lives.
All of this supports the kind of thinking they’ll use everywhere—from math to science to problem-solving in the real world.
The Enduring Importance of Writing in Future Education
As children grow into young adults and enter higher education, writing remains a crucial skill that shapes their academic and professional success. One of the most essential forms of academic writing at the college level is the essay. The ability to craft well-structured, coherent, and persuasive essays helps students express complex ideas, engage critically with texts, and demonstrate their understanding of diverse subjects. Writing essays is not just a test of knowledge but also a reflection of one’s ability to think logically and communicate effectively. However, not all students find essay writing easy. In such cases, turning to a trusted service like Edubirdie can make a real difference—professional essay writers offer valuable support, guidance, and expertise to help students succeed. Mastering this skill early on ensures success across disciplines and prepares students for future challenges.
Writing Deepens Reading Skills
Reading and writing are more like partners in dance than cousins who live far away. When kids write, they automatically learn how sentences work, how punctuation affects the flow, and how words can change the meaning of what they say. This knowledge helps kids read better. For example, a child writes a short narrative. They start comprehending how stories are assembled: hooks at the beginning, building in the middle, and endings that tie everything up. Later, when kids read, they remember those sections and get more into the story.
Here’s a thought: watching someone drive might give you a general idea of how a car works. However, once you take the wheel, everything becomes clearer. Writing lets kids drive the language, not just ride along.
Research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children highlights that emergent writing skills, such as name-writing proficiency, are important predictors of children’s future reading and writing abilities.
Writing Sparks Creativity and Self-Discovery
- Dream up imaginary lands.
- Capture special moments.
- Voice emotions that they might not express out loud.
- Begin to see how their perspective matters.
Writing Builds Motor Skills and Patience
There’s also a physical side to all of this. Holding a crayon or forming letters takes fine motor coordination. These little movements prepare kids for everything from zipping coats to tying shoes. Plus, writing demands focus. It teaches kids to pause, stay with a task, and see it through—skills that will help them in school and well beyond.
Try this: Don’t overthink it—just make it fun. Let kids trace letters in sand, shape playdough letters, or draw in shaving cream. These simple, hands-on activities quietly build writing skills in the background.
How to Encourage Writing From the Start
Helping young kids become confident writers doesn’t need to feel like “work.” The secret? Keep it playful and meaningful. Here are a few ways to start:
- Let Them Scribble and Draw
Scribbles are more than a mess—they’re the first steps in writing. Ask your child what their drawing is about. Write their words underneath so they begin to see the link between spoken and written language. - Create a Writing Nook
Put together a cozy writing corner filled with paper, markers, stickers—whatever gets them excited. If it feels like playtime, they’ll naturally want to dive in. - Write Together
Whether it’s a grocery list or a note to Grandma, demonstrate writing in action. They’ll learn by watching—and joining in. - Focus on Effort, Not Flawlessness
Skip the red pen. Celebrate their ideas and bravery instead of pointing out every spelling hiccup. That confidence will go a long way. - Connect Writing to Books
After storytime, ask your child to draw their favorite part or imagine a new ending. It deepens understanding and makes reading more interactive.
Wrapping It Up: Let Writing Shine Alongside Reading
Reading shows children the magic of stories. Writing hands them the wand to create their own. These two skills feed off each other, boosting comprehension, creativity, and confidence.
So next time you’re reading a bedtime book, grab a pencil afterward. Let your child sketch their favorite character or jot down a silly ending. Remember, every author starts somewhere—and often, it’s with a crayon in hand and a head bursting with imagination.