How we organise and teach writing

The National Literacy Framework forms the basis of teaching and learning. Teachers plan for different groups, whole class, small group, paired and individual. The teacher works towards the child’s independent learning employing a range of teaching strategies, including;
· Instructing/directing,
· Modelling/demonstrating/scribing
· Explaining
· Questioning
· Discussing
· Role play and drama
· Consolidating
· Evaluating
· Working walls (Talk for writing, vocabulary walls)

We encourage our pupils to have a wide and growing vocabulary in a number of ways, these include:
• Spelling lists/ key words to take home and learn
• Display of key words linked to topics and subjects
• Using the correct vocabulary orally
• In-depth word based lessons looking at patterns
• Using dictionaries, thesaurus and similar programmes
• Using the Power of Reading and other texts to explore vocabulary choices and the effect they have.

Spelling skills are introduced through direct teaching, investigations, studies of spelling patterns, conventions and homework.
Foundation/ Key Stage 1 pupils are introduced to phonics through Reading Write Inc (RWI).
Spellings are based upon age expected word banks for Key Stage Two.

Knowledge of the use of correct grammar and punctuation is taught directly in line with year group planning and through reading and writing activities. Skills are consolidated through formative marking in line with the school’s marking policy. Grammar is taught as part of the English lessons through reading texts and topic work as well as stand-alone lessons when appropriate.