This paper explores a suite of close writing practices and exercises that ask students to attend closely to language at the level of morpheme, word, line, sentence, or stanza. Close writing aims to move students beyond a conception of reading as mere transaction and technology, while pushing writing pedagogy beyond the development of expository…

Claims that reading and writing are closely related at all grade levels. Points out that reading aloud; sharing quality children's literature; and incorporating activities such as recitation, singing, and poetry can facilitate the transition from oral to written language codes. Proves that teacher participation in such activities can encourage…