New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Why is it important to teach reading and writing together?

1. They engage different areas of the brain

2. They can confuse students if taught together

3. They are interrelated skills that enhance each other

4. Only writing skills need to be prioritized

The correct answer is: They are interrelated skills that enhance each other

Teaching reading and writing together is crucial because they are interrelated skills that enhance each other. When students are engaged in both processes simultaneously, they begin to understand the connections between decoding text and expressing thoughts in written form. For instance, reading helps students to see how language is structured, which they can then apply to their writing. Conversely, writing encourages them to think critically about the texts they read, as they consider audience, purpose, and tone in their written work. This holistic approach fosters a deeper understanding of language and improves overall literacy, making learning more effective and meaningful for students. Additionally, integrating reading and writing can make the learning process more engaging and provide students with a richer experience as they actively use their skills in a complementary way.