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Reading improves writing skills
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A writer urges aspiring authors to read widely and well, calling it the one golden rule. Reading teaches craft and improves writing skills, benefiting students and professionals alike.
Background
The topic 'Reading improves writing skills' is trending due to recent articles and commentary from educators and writers. A blog post by T. R. Napper emphasizes that reading is essential for writers, while education news highlights the reciprocal relationship between reading and writing. Nonprofits like 826LA also promote reading to foster creative writing in youth.
How it unfolded
- Aug 18, 2026826LA, a literacy nonprofit, is featured in the LA Times for keeping creative writing alive for youth, emphasizing that reading is key to becoming a stronger writer.
- Aug 19, 2026Education Week publishes an article on the 'Science of Writing,' noting that reading and writing are reciprocal skills and that writing has been overlooked in reading reform.
- Aug 19, 2026Law & Liberty publishes 'Reclaiming Reading,' discussing the decline of reading and its impact on comprehension, with studies showing print reading improves comprehension more than digital.
- Aug 20, 2026T. R. Napper's blog post 'The Golden Rule for Becoming a Better Writer' is published, arguing that reading is the one non-negotiable rule for writers.
Who’s saying what
- Writers
- T. R. Napper insists that aspiring writers must read as much as possible, calling it the golden rule and dismissing excuses like being too busy.
- Educators
- Steve Graham, a professor at ASU, says reading and writing are reciprocal skills, and that writing instruction should include foundational skills like spelling and grammar.
- Nonprofit
- 826LA staff believe students need to read books outside their comfort zone to become stronger writers, and that creative writing is essential for youth.