One of the methods that has been suggested for improving interest in reading amongst middle school students is the diagramming of two different short stories or novels, dissecting the different arts of the plot and the methods of progression in both of the stories (Education.com 2010). By demonstrating the underlying mechanisms of literature, students can better understand the progression of both individual storylines as well as of the reader's interest, making a clear and concrete connection between the organization of information and its impact on the reader (Eductaion.com 2010). The desire to increase this understanding, it is hoped, will give yet another reason to engage in reading (Education.com 2010).
When it comes to writing, one of the most effective ways to encourage greater engagement and enjoyment in writing during the middle school years -- which are formative not only in terms of cognitive ability, but also in personality and in students' individual senses of self -- is to help students develop their own voice in writing (Steele 2007). Helping students find ways to communicate in a unique style yet retaining clarity, just as people do with speech, can make writing more personal and thus more intrinsically valuable to the student, while helping them see how their own voice can clearly communicate ideas and information ads external...
There are many different activities that can be used to help students develop their own voice in writing, but essentially this voice emerges through practice, and thus the most effective way to help students develop their own writing voice is to ensure that they receive plenty of practice writing in a variety of areas and on a variety of subjects.
Reading and writing are two of the most important skills any human being on the planet could learn. Despite the fact that most people in the developed world can read and write at least at rudimentary levels, these skills are not as well developed or advanced in many individuals as would be hoped. It is in the middle school years that the development of reading and writing skills is most essential, as this is the period of cognitive development in which critical thinking skills truly emerge. If the window of development goes unexploited, these skills will ever reach their full potential.
References
Education.com. (2010). Middle school reading activities. Accessed 24 December 2010. http://www.education.com/activity/middle-school/reading/
Steele, K. (2007). How to put your own voice in your writing. Accessed 24 December 2010. http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/writing/sixtrait/voice/howto.html
