1. BIG Writing A Ros Wilson Strategy
BIG Writing
A Ros Wilson Strategy

2. How well is our school doing in English?
In Reception last year 75% achieved or exceeded expected levels in the specific learning goals, compared with 57% in Northamptonshire
In Key Stage 1, 39% of pupils gained a Level 3 in writing compared with 16% in Northamptonshire
In Key Stage 2 more than half our pupils attained Level 5 in writing and our attainment in English is currently in the top 10% of schools nationally

3. The Big Writing Philosophy
Big Writing is the development of ‘basic skills’ through fast, fun, lively and predominantly oral activities.
Pupils learn to talk using their ‘writing voice’. Based on the premise,
IF A CHILD CAN’T SAY IT, A CHILD CAN’T WRITE IT
There is a longer Big Writing session once every week which includes a longer writing session.
Video clip – aimed at teachers, but does give you (as parents) an idea of what we are trying to achieve.
More on the structure of the BIG WRITE SESSION LATER

4. VCOP VCOP Summary Vocabulary Connectives Openers Punctuation
The range of ambitious vocabulary a
pupil knows; WOW words.
The range of ways pupils have of joining ideas, phrases & sentences.
The strategies pupils have for opening sentences; especially the 3 key openers: connectives, ‘ly’ words & ‘ing’ words.
The range of punctuation a pupil can use & the accuracy with which they use it.
These are the 4 generic targets which impact on writing.
Chanting- hand movements.
Best writing- always writing at the best level.
VCOP should be incorporated into all Literacy sessions in both reading and writing. It may not be a separate session, should permeate all sessions including in other subjects. Still need to teach the framework objectives, picking out other things as well.

5. The Punctuation Pyramid
Level 1 . 2
. ? 3
. ? , ! 4
. ? , ! … ’ “” 5
. ? , … - ! ’ “” : ; ( )
Show ‘vocabulary’ ‘connectives’ and ‘openers’ too.
The Punctuation Pyramid

6. ‘Writing Voice’ and ‘Big Talk’
Children are encouraged to use their ‘Writing Voice’ – Standard English.
Parents as ‘talkers, listeners and readers’.
Never miss a chance to have a good chat!

7. BIG WRITE SESSIONS
The night before our weekly Big Write session at school, there will be a Big Talk Homework. Children will discuss and prepare (mentally) for what they are going to write about. Children should use their ‘Writing Voice’.
The following day in school we have ‘planning time’ for a Big Write. This consists of around 35 mins of fast, fun, lively oracy based activities linked to what’s expected in their writing, using their writing voice. This is followed by 10 mins of planning time.

8. Silent Big Write Session
TIMINGS:
* Year 1 – 3O minutes silent Big Write session
* Year 2 and KS2 – 45 minutes silent Big Write session
So, Year 1 have half hour planning time before morning break, then their silent half hour session after break.
Year 2 and KS2 have one and a half hours’ Big Write time split into two x 45 min sessions across morning break.
In the second part of the session, teachers adjust the mood and atmosphere accordingly:
Music, mood lighting, brain breaks, special pencils etc.
Mini plenaries are included in the silent session.

9. Check your punctuation! Check your openers and connectives!
10 mins
Check your punctuation!
40 mins
Check your targets! 45
MINS
20 mins
Check your WOW words!
It's
BIG Writing
time!
30 mins
Check your openers and connectives!

10. Big Talk Homework
So, how are you able to help us to get the most from your children in the
Big Write session?
Your child will come home with a slip of paper each week, explaining what their Big Write will be about the next day. This is your child’s Big Talk Homework.
Tomorrow Morning, your child will be writing about their chosen Amazon rainforest animal.
Please find time this evening to talk with your child about their plans for this piece of work.
Memories of this conversation will really help your child when completing this task.

11. Big Talk Homework
Some possible suggestions:
Use your ‘Writing Voice’
Ask family members to say what they might write about
Think of ‘wow’ words that might suit your topic that week
Try to use the word ‘because’ to help explain thoughts
Use ‘spare’ moments when travelling/waiting to talk about any topic

12. Why is talk important?
Talk is our language on paper. The better we can talk, the better we can write. We write to get things we want or need: jobs, shopping, help or advice, friendship etc.
The more words we know and the richer the words we have, plus our confidence in using language for effect, influences how well we succeed in life.

13. Reading at home TOP TIPS for creating a suitable reading environment:
Try to create a relaxed reading atmosphere. Establish a regular time and place to read. Reading should be a happy, shared experience in a quiet environment with no distractions.
Reading books are changed three times a week in KS1, but children should be heard to read at home on a daily basis. It is ok to read the same book twice. Different skills can be developed on a second read through.
Remember that reading a book is not the only reading your child will do. Encourage them to read signs, leaflets, recipes, instructions and so on. By reading these types of texts your child will often be reading without realising they are doing so! It also shows them that reading is also for a purpose.

14. Reading at home
Read to your child. Share a story together. This is just as much an important part of reading as having them read to you.
It can be very motivating for a child to share books with siblings, grandparents and friends too, so try to allow for opportunities for this.
Encourage the reading of a range of genres – fiction, non-fiction, comics, reference books.
Above all, enjoy the experience!

15. Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is an online reading programme that makes learning essential reading skills a fun and motivating experience for 3 – 13 year olds.
The programme has many features that support core literacy teaching and gets pupils successfully started on their journey to becoming proficient readers.