How do you feel when someone gives you an gift?

When I ask students this question, they respond in this way:

• I feel excited
• I feel special
• I feel important
• I know someone is thinking about me
• I know someone took time to make me happy

They are surprised and shocked to discover that writers leave gifts for their readers for many of the same reasons. My lesson today with teachers and students was about those "gifts"- the things writers do because they want their readers to be able to find their way to meaning.

Gifts can come in many forms, shapes, and sizes. I define them in this way:

A writing gift is something the writer does ON PURPOSE in order to bring attention to the most important points and ideas he/she is conveying in the text.

So the next time you come across a bold world, a unique font, a set of bulleted points, an image or diagram, or a special design feature, do not just skim over it. Know that it is the writers way of saying:

"Hey, reader..this matters, I want you to stop, pause, consider the importance of this idea or thought. Here it is – just for you-my gift towards helping you remember and understand.

Understanding this, will not only make you a better reader, it will make you a better writer, too!