Writing

At Sinnington our intent is to ensure that writing  is an inspiring and creative subject, which engages and encourages children to write for relevant and meaningful purposes. Our core text approach provides children with the knowledge and enriched vocabulary to produce published writing of a consistently high standard.

Each term, the English curriculum is taught by studying a high quality text where writing opportunities are derived, from this we use elements of Talk for Writing to support children’s development in writing as this allows children to internalise language structures. It is vital that our children are exposed to a range of exemplar texts, from across different genres and subject areas, to embed ambitious vocabulary choices and secure expectations of writing across the curriculum. This exposure to a variety of curricular areas encourages a range of writers and writing styles, allowing children to be absorbed within their learning and retelling.

In Writing, our intent is to:

• Provide a clear sequence, building on children’s prior knowledge and skills, and making meaningful connections with reading. 
• Develop a love for writing with a sense of pride when children publish their work
• Teach national curriculum objectives in meaningful and inspiring ways 
• Children to write in a range of styles and genres
• Use a consistent approach to teaching spelling 
• Use a consistent approach in the teaching of handwriting

In the Classroom:

Donaldson:

In EYFS, well-sequenced phonics teaching supports letter formation and spelling of words. We follow the Read Write Inc scheme and writing is an important and valued part of each phonics session. Elements of the ‘Talk for Writing’ approach are also used in the writing process to develop language and understanding. In the early stages of EYFS mark making is valued and writing is implemented in the moment, engaging children in purposeful writing through their play. Adult modelling is key to children segmenting words accurately and forming letters correctly. Environment enhancements (both inside and outside of the classroom) always include chances for writing to encourage learning and opportunities to meet individual children’s needs. In sessions children will 'Hold a sentence' and read their Read Write Inc books with linked writing activities. They also work through their Speed sounds with linked written activities.  

Year 1 children write for a purpose linked to their current classroom project or linked text.  They all have individual writing books and once their writing is discussed and planned, is written up independently. Elements of 'Talk for Writing' are used in lessons as are paired and group discussions with visual aids to support the writing process.

Dahl and Rowling Class:

All writing is for a purpose and the majority of the children's written work is linked to their current class project.  Inspiration is taken from either a quality text or video clip to ensure that all children have a hook to begin their writing.  Elements of 'Talk for Writing' are used to discuss the text or video clip and then all children are given the opportunity to plan their writing that is either done individually or in small groups.  Grammar and punctuation linked to the current genre of writing is included in the teaching sequence as is teacher modelling and scaffolding of specific language or writing skills when required.  Small groups of children are also supported in class with their writing.  All the children have a Drafting book which is used by the children to draft their writing.  The children then either individually or in pairs edit their writing against given criteria and then publish their final piece in their English book.  This process enables the children to become independent writers and take ownership of their writing. We aim to provide a balance of narrative, non-fiction and poetry throughout each term.  

Writing_SchemeofLearning_2022-2023.pdf

Writing Skills Progression Document

Class Projects:

Each class project will have a range of genres of writing linked to it and the associated homework also has at least one piece that is linked to writing in a specified genre.

Spellings:

In Y2-6 pupils have dedicated spelling time in class where we use resources designed in school.  Time is given to learn these spellings, and these are sent home regularly too. Pupils receive weekly quizzes to ascertain their retention of key letter strings, patterns and tricky, age-appropriate vocabulary.    

Handwriting:

Letter formation is taught through the Read Write Inc programme initially. We develop a continuous cursive style from Y2 and encourage regular focus on this during the writing process and for writing in all subjects.