Writing in Early Years

Children’s positive attitude towards writing is fostered during EYFS.

In Nursery, children are provided with opportunities to build their fine and gross motor skills as this is critical for the act of writing.

In Reception, teachers model writing for a purpose so that children understand that it is a form of communication and self-expression. There are writing opportunities in all areas of provision to encourage writing that is purposeful, meaningful and reflects on children’s interests. Their writing should reflect their current phonics knowledge.

Developing children’s vocabulary during EYFS is essential in order for them to become fluent writers. Teachers are constantly looking for opportunities to introduce new words and model them during interactions.

Writing in KS1 and KS2

In KS1 and KS2, the English curriculum is largely taught through ‘The Write Stuff’ approach by Jane Considine. This ensures a consistent and systematic approach to teaching the skills of writing across all year groups. This also means that children know what to expect as they progress through our school.

Children have access to high-quality texts which inspire writing and provide a balance between teaching the features of specific genres and covering the technical aspects of writing. Different genres are covered repeatedly across KS1 and KS2 to ensure that the children have a solid understanding of text types and to further enhance their skills in grammar, sentence construction and punctuation.

Our lessons are structured to ensure that children develop the essential knowledge and skills they need to successfully craft a piece of high-quality independent writing at the end of the unit. Teachers guide children through a clear writing process where children would have the opportunity to generate ideas, plan, draft, edit and publish their writing. We also believe that high-quality teacher modelling is a crucial component for embedding writing structures and providing children with the tools and knowledge they would need to become successful writers.

In Years 1 - 5, the ‘Write Stuff’ is used more heavily, with sentence stacking forming part of lessons prior to independent writing. Towards the end of Year 5 and in Year 6, teachers continue to use FANTASTICS (senses) and BOOMTASTICS (figurative language) when modelling writing. Children use the symbols to support them in planning and generating ideas for writing. Teachers use the ‘sentence stacking’ lessons (scaffolded writing) when appropriate to demonstrate how to use different grammar techniques in writing.

Children are given regular feedback and they use this to edit their work. Edits are shown in books using green pens to show the editing process clearly.

Spelling and Grammar

A rigorous and consistent spelling approach is used through the ‘Little Wandle’ phonics scheme. The ‘No Nonsense Spelling’ programme is implemented in Year 2 once the ‘Little Wandle’ systematic synthetic phonics programme is completed. Correct letter formation is taught from the Foundation Stage and practised each day. Once the children are confident with printing letters, children in Year 1 are introduced to cursive handwriting which we continue to embed in Year 2.

Throughout the school, grammar is taught in context with The Write Stuff GRAMMARISTICS lenses used to demonstrate different grammar techniques. Stand-alone grammar lessons are taught if required.

Speaking and Listening

To develop oracy and widen their vocabulary, we plan speaking and listening activities throughout the unit. This includes partner talk, roleplay and hot seating. We believe that these activities will help our pupils to become fluent and creative writers. We also use a range of drama techniques to enhance children’s spoken language, presentation skills and to use as stimuli pre or post-writing. This includes hot seating, freeze frame, role play, and conscience alley. In addition, we provide opportunities across the curriculum for children to enhance their spoken language by carrying out formal presentations, participating in class performances, and engaging in debates.

Children also have the opportunity to explore a range of poetry types throughout the school and most types are repeated so children can solidify their understanding of poetry techniques and enhance their skills in crafting effective poems.

Impact

The children’s enjoyment of writing will shine in their bold vocabulary choices, careful presentation and clear understanding of what they are writing about. Additionally, they will use precise grammatical terminology to discuss and learn from the works of notable authors and to explain their own writing choices. Their resulting skills, knowledge and passion for writing will lead to success in further education and beyond.