1. Supporting writing and handwriting
SN1014
Cathie Lacey

2. Micro skills of writing - task
Look at slips of paper with micro skills of writing
In small groups, discuss the order you think you would teach these
Share the top five
Which one do the children you work with have greatest difficulty with?

3. Spelling
English is particularly difficult – has letter name and sound which can vary enormously – ghoti
Some words just have to be learnt
Can use kinaesthetic ‘memory’ of hand to spell
Look, cover, say, write check…..

4. Developing writing
Once have the basics, need to move on to writing/constructing sentences then paragraphs then short texts
Begin by using ‘scaffolds’ for text construction (Vygotsky and ZPD)
Move to different genres of text in increasing complexity
Vital to engage children by discussions - links to the ‘here and now’ and to shared experiences can support talk to support writing.

5. Summary of key scaffolding strategies
Making expectations explicit by sharing objectives and success criteria
Providing models of language:
- orally by teaching staff and peers
- in print in the environment, books and on writing frames and language prompt cards

6. Providing visual support: - pictures and props
- underlining and highlighting in text
- diagrams
- writing frames and graphic organisers
Providing as many opportunities for speaking and listening with peers as possible

7. Links for more…..just a selection
- a great website to make handwriting sheet
Whole language (K and Y Goodman’s webpage KG’s article
This is a site for handwriting – by Chris Jarman
Interesting link between gross motor skills and fine motor skills – ie PE and handwriting. Worth a look.
Dyspraxia Association website
Try this for some spelling stuff
Not sure of your grammar? Try this site.