This article has definately put writing into a different perspective for me, and I've realized the power of having students write before reading. It is often that we ask students to respond to text when they are finished with their reading. I liked the strategy mentioned in the article of using writing to extend understanding and comprehension of the text. It was presented as "movies of the reader's mind." During this activity the text would be split into fragments and after each one students would have to write down their thinking. I love this idea. It really allows for students to interact with the text to make connections, analyze, and interpret what they feel is happening or the overall message. I think this also gives students a purpose for reading, and allows them to see how their thinking changes as they read, based on what is happening in the text. I really liked this engaging activity.