Writing

The programme of study at Key Stages 1 and 2 are:

• transcription (spelling and handwriting)

• composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing).
   

Learning to write is a complex process that involves a variety of skills but is an extremely powerful medium. We encourage all our children to become “authors” in their own right.

Initially, a child needs to be able to form the letters needed and then be able to express one’s ideas using these letters.  Through shared and guided writing opportunities, we equip children to develop the skills of writing clearly and legibly.  When the child is confident with these basic skills, they will work towards being able to write with a greater sense of purpose and learn to organize their writing according to this purpose.  Children are equipped with the necessary tools to do this, being given daily opportunities to focus on spelling and/or grammatical structures. 

Our children work using a variety of real texts – the link between reading and writing is made very clear.  We are keen to develop the links between the child’s creative work and the creative arts.

STORY WRITING

We have provided parents and pupils with links to a story writing guide, story writing inspiration and websites that will give you story titles and allow you to create characters and settings. Encourage your child to use as many SPAG features as they can for their year group.

http://www.communication4all.co.uk/http/Story%20Writing.htm

http://www.creative-writing-now.com/story-starters.html

http://www.shortstoryideas.co.uk/

http://www.literacyshed.com/the-inspiration-shed.html

Examples of the KS2 writing standard

The government have provided examples of writing for KS2 to identify the language, punctuation and grammar that needs to be included to be successful at different levels (working towards expected level, expected level and working at greater depth level). All SPAG features are highlighted in different genres of writing. Please see the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2016-teacher-assessment-exemplification-ks2-english-writing

Handwriting 

We strive for our children to form correct letter formations, joining and good handwriting habits so that they can write fluently and legibly by the end of KS2. Children are introduced to cursive style writing from early years. This is taught with a sequential and progressive approach with teachers and TAs modelling the handwriting style. 

The teaching of handwriting is supplemented by Letter-join. Letter-join is a whole school handwriting scheme offering a combination of traditional and digital resources. These include classroom presentations, handwriting activities, online games and hundreds of worksheets using either a printed font, or a cursive font with or without a lead-in line. 

We believe that children’s self-esteem and pride in their work can be raised by good quality presentation.

Each aim is considered equally important:

• To teach children to write with a flowing hand which is legible, swift and pleasant to look at.

• To enable children to develop their own style of handwriting as they progress through Key Stage 2.

• To support the development of correct spelling and to aid in the elimination of letter reversals by the learning of word patterns and the correct joining of letters.

• To ensure that children of differing abilities are provided with appropriate and achievable goals.

• To assist children in taking pride with the presentation of their work.

• To teach correct letter formation.

• To appreciate handwriting as an art form.

• To display excellent examples of handwriting in every classroom and around the school.

SPAG

At Anne's, we know that punctuation and grammar (SPAG) terminology is often difficult to understand so we hope to provide parents with a guide and examples for parents to help their children with SPAG at home.

Below is an overall outline of all the SPAG terms children will need to know in primary school with definitions and examples of these. Plus, there are specific SPAG expectations for each particular year group. To help your children practise, encourage them to write stories at home using different punctuation and grammar (see below for story inspiration).  If you would like any SPAG activities for your children to try at home, please do ask the class teacher.