ABSTRACT
The difficulties of writing haunt all of us on at least some of the occasions when we wait for inspiration, pen in hand, staring at a blank sheet of paper. Running parallel to specific efforts in advancing writing skill and confidence should be a concern for enlarging language experience. Poor readers are concerned with the mechanics of reading to be aware of the language variations they are grappling with; these in any case be limited by the level of the text. Persuading skilled readers in the class to read to them, providing stories on tape for them to enjoy will present them with an extra set of opportunities to become acquainted with new stretches of language. The most desirable achievement in teaching writing is not necessarily a collection of instant anthology material, but evidence that children have the resources to cope sensibly and effectively with any writing situation, and the confidence to use those resources intelligently.
