Writing at Pucklechurch

Intent

At Pucklechurch, we explore high quality texts so that we are overflowing with ideas to use in our own writing. The texts are usually linked to our theme so that the children build contextual knowledge throughout the term; they can then draw on this in their final write. Throughout the year, children will be given opportunities to write in a range of genres, such as narrative, procedural, recount and information.

Implementation

At the immersion stage of learning, the children are taught a particular skill. These skills are taken from our progression of skills documents. Within this stage, children may be guided by an adult within a focus group; they may work with a peer; or children practise independently.

During this stage of learning, children are given the opportunity to use their newly taught skill in a short piece of writing. These activities range in purpose and length, depending on the year group and context of the short write. Finally we allow children to explore their skills by showcasing them in their plan, draft, edit and publish stage. These are important skills that allow children to use all of the skills taught so far in their final versions.

Spelling

In Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1, children use their phonics skills to spell words as well as learning the High Frequency words (including tricky words). As children progress through the school, they are taught spelling sounds, rules and patterns using a range of fun activities. All children are expected to learn their sounds, rules and patterns as part of their home learning; they will be tested on these during a weekly test in school. Once learned, the children are expected to use them correctly in their own writing.

Impact

The impact on our children is that they have the knowledge and skills to be able to write successfully for a purpose and audience. With the implementation of the writing sequence being established and taught in both key stages, children are becoming more confident writers and have the ability to plan, draft and edit their own work. By the end of key stage 2 children have developed a writer’s craft, they enjoy sustained writing and can manipulate language, grammar and punctuation to create effect. As all aspects of English are an integral part of the curriculum, cross curricular writing standards have also improved and skills taught in the English lesson are transferred into other subjects; this shows consolidation of skills and a deeper understanding of how and when to use specific language, grammar and punctuation. 

Diversity in Writing

Our texts for Reading and Writing help children to connect with and develop their understanding of different cultures, different characters in the story or texts they have read. We have carefully chosen our texts to show protected characteristics such as, Ramadan Moon in KS1, The Black Dog in LKS2 and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief in UKS2.

The high-quality texts used aim to empower children to develop their understanding of genres, characters, settings and cultures. We want to promote a love of reading and use these texts to engage and motivate all children within their writing and build their authors voice.

Useful Websites

Phonics Pronunciation Video - This video demonstrates how to pronounce pure sounds

www.phonicsplay.co.uk/ParentsMenu - This website has lots of interactive phonics games, activities, ideas and resources to help your child learn to hear, recognise and read different sounds and words including nonsense words

http://www.ictgames.com - This website also lots of phonics games, activities, ideas and resources which match to an objective. They will help your child with learning to recognise and read different sounds and words

Document links
Writing workshop

Wow, look at some of this lovely emotive writing