Why is it important to balance instruction between reading and writing?

Balancing instruction between reading and writing is vital because both skills support and enhance each other in significant ways. When children engage in reading, they gain exposure to vocabulary, sentence structure, and different writing styles, which inform their writing abilities. Conversely, writing helps reinforce reading comprehension, as children process and articulate their thoughts about what they have read. This integrated approach fosters a deeper understanding of language and literacy overall. By ensuring that instruction includes both reading and writing, educators provide a more holistic learning experience that strengthens children's emergent literacy skills, making them more proficient and confident communicators.