Writing
Welcome to the Writing Zone
What does Writing at The Vale look like?
Writing is a key aspect of learning at The Vale. It is used across the curriculum for children to communicate their knowledge and understanding.
As a school, we have adopted The Talk for Writing approach which focuses on developing a deep understanding of different texts; looking at vocabulary, language features and the structure of the text.
Through the teaching of writing children will:
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Build upon key skills across the year and year groups.
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Acquire a wide vocabulary.
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Develop an understanding of grammar.
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Write clearly, accurately and coherently.
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Apply their learning across all subjects in the curriculum.
Below are further details about the Talk for Writing approach.
What is Talk for Writing?
Talk for Writing is a whole school approach to develop children as readers, writers, speakers and listeners.
There are three phases in Talk for Writing:
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Imitation
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Innovation
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Independent application
Imitation
The first phase is imitation which involves learning the model text orally by rehearsing the story with actions and drawing a story map to help memorise it. Once the children have learnt the text then time is spent looking at the vocabulary and understanding the text. Then the children look at the underlying structure of the text and look at key language features in the text.
Innovation
In this phase the model text is used as a basis for the children to write their own version. The class will be involved in shared writing of a new class version and independent or guided writing of their own version of the story. At the beginning of each lesson time is spent reviewing the writing from the day before and editing it.
Independent application
In the final stage of the process, the children move towards becoming more independent. After a range of activities to support improvement in the writing the children have the opportunity to plan a new version of the original text which allows them to show what they have learnt over the unit.
How can I help my child with writing?
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Talk to your child about their learning.
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Discuss language all around.
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Encourage your child to write for different purposes at home. For example: thank you letters, cards, recounts of trips, postcards
Useful resources:
Please find below websites and resources which support writing at home.
Creative writing - KS2 English - BBC Bitesize
This link has tips and advice on writing for Junior children.
This site has lots of ideas to support children with story writing.
Developing Writing and Spelling at Home | Reading Rockets
This link has a range of suggestions of writing activities.
