Parents Writing Workshop

Aims of session How is writing taught at Seer Green CE School? What elements of writing does my child need to be competent in? What is it that makes a ‘good’ writer? How should my child be writing? How can I help my child improve their writing?

Seer Green CE School Literacy Policy We aim to give all pupils the opportunity to communicate and comprehend through the written word using a wide range of formats, matching style to audience and purpose. Writing grows out of knowledge of spoken language. The modes of language provided in school influence the development of writing and should therefore be chosen with care, whether examples of imaginative writing, narrative, factual account or poetry. It is essential that pupils are given opportunities for discussion and exploration of ideas, if writing is to be of a high quality.

The Writing Curriculum Creating and shaping texts. Text structure and organisation. Sentence structure and punctuation.

By the end of Key Stage 2 pupils should learn to Write independently and creatively for purpose, pleasure and learning. Use and adapt a range of forms, suited to different purposes and readers. Make stylistic choices, including vocabulary, literary features and viewpoints or voice. Use structural and presentational features for meaning and impact. Organise ideas into a coherent structure including layout, sections and paragraphs. Write cohesive paragraphs linking sentences within and between them.

Assessment Focus for Writing Writing imaginative and thoughtful texts. Produce a text which is appropriate to the task and the reader. Organise and structure writing effectively. Construct cohesive paragraphs. Vary sentence structure for effect. Accurately use a wide range of punctuation. Use ambitious vocabulary. Use correct spellings and neat handwriting. We carefully consider all these aspects, across a range of genres when assessing writing.

How do we teach writing? Shared Writing:Whole class or large group writing. Teachers are able to model the writing process. Teachers use texts to provide ideas and structure. Collaborative composition of texts. Teach specific skills (structure, planning, language). Teach spelling and grammar. A starting point for subsequent independent writing. Guided Writing:Encourage children to write independently, or work within a small group, with an adult. Usually follows on from whole class shared writing sessions. Focus on specific aspects of the writing process rather than the completion of a single piece of work. Independent Children are encouraged to work independently. Writing: There should be sufficient resources and strategies for children to fall back on if they experience problems. All pupils have writing targets, which are reviewed regularly.

How do we teach writing? Provide a stimulating writing environment. Clear expectations and targets. Adults provide good role models as writers. Wide experience of reading and language. Oral storytelling. Drama and role play. Presenting writing in different ways. Encouraging creativity, not perfection. Sharing writing with an audience. Good quality phonics teaching. Explicit teaching of grammar and spelling rules. Time for reflection, editing and improving writing.

Writing in the Early Years Use letter sounds to write words. Write some irregular common words. Write simple sentences which can be read by themselves and others. Spell some words correctly and others are phonetically plausible. I can......

Writing in Key Stage 1 I can Use a variety of openers to begin my sentences. Write simple sentences that make sense. Use ‘and’ to join my sentences. Use capital letters at the start of my sentences. Use capital letters for nouns. Use full stops to end my sentences. Use question and exclamation marks. Use commas in lists. Use time connectives in my writing. Use words like ‘he, they, it’ correctly. Use WOW words in my writing. Form my letters carefully and neatly.

Writing in Key Stage 2 Use a variety of sentence length and structure. Use ‘if, when, because, however’ to join my sentences. Use basic punctuation accurately throughout my writing. Use commas to mark clauses. Use speech marks when someone is speaking. Use punctuation within my speech. Use well organised, linked paragraphs in my writing. Organise my writing with a clear opening and conclusion. Include descriptive and powerful phrases in my writing. Use adjectives and adverbs to expand nouns and verbs. Consistently and clearly show my opinion of characters & events. Join my writing using a joined, cursive style. I can......

Examples of Writing. Early YearsLevel 2 Level 4

Reception & Year 1: Unjoined, precursive script is taught. Letter formation is taught alongside phonics teaching. From Year 1/2: Precursive, joined script is taught. Common letter combinations are taught when joining. Handwriting lessons and weekly homework help to develop children’s personal handwriting style. Handwriting

Supporting Writing at Home. Celebrate your child’s success in writing. Read a range of texts with your child (fiction, non fiction, poetry, magazines). Encourage talk for writing. Don’t over correct misspelt words. Spoken language will likely be ahead of writing ability. Model everyday writing skills (notes, lists, letters, s, thank you notes, invitations) Provide a range of types of paper, and writing tools. Find reasons for your child to write (shopping lists, signs, notes).