Writing

Intent: Our aim is for all our children to be independent, resilient and confident writers who enjoy the writing process. Our lessons are carefully developed around challenging, quality texts (custom-written if necessary). Vocabulary is developed through the whole curriculum and pupils are encouraged and shown how to effectively use interesting and adventurous language in their writing. We use Rainbow Grammar in Years 1 - 6, in order to ensure consistency and progression in grammar skills. 

Implementation:  We begin with opportunities for immersion at the beginning of a new genre. This involves story mapping, drama-based activities and shared writing as a class. Once the children have a good understanding of the taught genre and have had enough time to engage with varied examples and a model text, we then move on to the innovation stage where the children begin to plan and compose their own examples using paired write and analysis. The final phase is the invention stage. This is where the children independently plan, write and redraft their invented genres.  Throughout all writing sessions, appropriate grammar objectives are embedded and analysed. Children are also given a 'Do Now' task at the beginning of their English lessons with a specific grammar focus. 

Impact: Assessment in writing is ongoing throughout every lesson. This allows teachers to adapt their planning in order to target pupils for support, as well as ensure that all children are challenged appropriately. Children are given regular opportunities to edit and improve their own writing. Independent writing is moderated regularly as a staff.  

Handwriting

The children need to learn the correct way to form letters so that they can go on to join up their letters as they get older. In Reception, letter formation is taught through Set 1 of RWI phonics, in which the children learn short rhymes and have picture prompts to help them remember the formation (please find these picture prompts and rhymes attached below). We use the Martin Harvey Scheme for handwriting throughout school, which includes using prompts with the children to prepare them to write: 

• BBC - Bottom Back in Chair
• TNT - Tummy Near Table
• Six feet, two hands - the feet of the chair and child plus one hand to write with and one to hold the page still. 

Effective activities for strengthening hand muscles used in school are cutting and sticking activities, playing with plasticine and using clothes pegs. Opportunities for celebrating handwriting are encouraged to further engage and motivate pupils to be proud of their presentation.

Useful Websites

Pie Corbett's website with example writing projects bursting with short writing activities that compliment those happening in school - https://www.talk4writing.com/home-school-units/

Oak Academy's website full of writing lessons and follow-up activities - https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage

BBC Bitesize have many revision videos and games on KS1 and KS2 English and Grammar - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zgkw2hv

An example of modelled writing by Pie Corbett, on whom we base our writing structure  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8-aToC3brc 

Pie Corbett explaining the 3 stages of our writing processes -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_hYI2PwHOY