An Information Evening for Parents/Carers Writing

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Thoughts… When was the last time you chatted to your child at length about something? Do you always give time to discuss books when you read to and with your child? When was the last time you wrote something that wasn’t a text, or post on social media (excluding Christmas cards!)? Does your child see you write? Do you write with your child? How do you respond when your child writes something?

Desired outcomes of the evening These are that you: have an understanding of the key aspects of writing; understand what it is to be a writer and the stages/process of this; know how you can support your child/children to be successful writers; know what we do in school to develop writing in each team; know the expectations of children’s writing in each year group and how we assess these; have the opportunity to ask questions and gain information pertinent to you.

All aspects of language are linked Our world is changing…rapidly!!! Effects on spoken communication

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Key aspects of writing Before we can write… we need a motivation! (stimulus and reasons to write). we need the language and ideas orally/in our minds and be able to link these together (talk, talk and more talk). we need the steps (verbal and visual).

Key aspects of writing When we write… we need time and space (environment). we need the physical control (handwriting). we need understanding of how language is organised on the page (grammar and punctuation) and how words look (spelling). we need a good memory to recall our ideas. we need opportunities to reflect and change our ideas as we write (edit and revise). we need the confidence to take risks and make mistakes.

Key aspects of writing After we write… we need time to share our writing with others (value). we need time to reflect on the final piece of writing (What am I proud of? What would I change next time and why?)

Supporting your child to be a successful writer Experiences and talking them through…lots! Reading together and discussing books Play word games (including tongue twisters, silly sentences, mnemonics, Scrabble, Guess Who, What am I?) Writing for a purpose (little and often) with special books, paper and writing materials

Supporting your child to be a successful writer Being a ‘writer’-excitement ‘That’s great! Can you read it to me?’ Praising after children read their writing to you and spotting their own errors How to move them on (focus on something small, not too much critiquing!) Ideas/content first Helping with handwriting and spelling Helping with grammar and punctuation

Supporting your child to be a successful writer See you as a writer (good model) –shopping lists, thank you letters etc

Feedback Form and Handouts Please fill in a feedback form in the team Parents/Carers guide to ‘Supporting your Child’s Writing at Home’ Team handouts-collect where present (SPAG) Learning Platform- See presentations Follow-up time in school: Writing open morning in the Summer Term Book Week: 22 nd -26 th February -‘Superheroes’ theme Author visit