Writing
Statement of Intent
At Killinghall, we believe that it is vital for all children to develop the skills to write clearly, accurately, and coherently, enabling them to communicate using accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling. We believe that this aim is best achieved through a rigorous, consistent approach to teaching writing, rooted in the National Curriculum and designed to meet the needs and context of the school.
Our approach ensures that:
- The teaching of writing is based on a progression of knowledge across year groups to that results in the acquisition of knowledge and skills so that all children know more, remember more and understand more.
- Teaching sequences are carefully planned to ensure opportunities for consolidation and the development of a skill relating to the Clever Writer Checklist.
- The Clever Writer Checklist remains visible and accessible within the learning environment and added to as new skills are introduced.
- Working Walls are built up during the week displaying high level vocabulary, a range of openers and the skill children are working on.
- Speech and Language Therapy techniques are used to effectively broaden, deepen and enrich language and vocabulary for use when writing.
- Every child will receive a minimum of 3 writing tasks per week leading up to 1 extended, independent write.
- Teachers will provide high-quality instruction through the use of modelled and shared writing as well as co-constructed Success Criteria.
- Live ‘impact marking’, discussion and feedback will take place in lessons to address misconceptions and errors as soon as possible, and to move the learning on.
- Children, teachers and support staff should write (where applicable) in a neat, legible and fluent handwriting style using continuous cursive letters.
Writing at Killinghall
How do we teach writing?
At Killinghall, we use the ‘I Am a Clever Writer’ approach to the teaching of writing. This is based on a progression of knowledge across year groups, which results in the acquisition of knowledge and skills so that all children know more, remember more and understand more.
Teaching sequences are carefully planned to ensure opportunities for consolidation and for the development of a skill related to the Clever Writer Checklist.
To ensure that skills are taught effectively and that progress is achieved, we use the ‘I Am a Clever Writer’ Progression in Skills documents for both genre and skills, as well as the assessment checklists for each year group. These checklists have been created by reviewing the content of the National Curriculum to produce an age-appropriate set of skills that ensures key writing skills are taught and developed over time to achieve rapid progress.
Holding our pens correctly
As soon as children are ready to start writing, we teach them how to hold their pencils correctly using the 'nip, flip and grip' technique.
Letter Formation
We work hard to ensure that pupils form their letters correctly and that they take pride in their presentation. Right from when they start school, they are taught rhymes to help them remember how to form their letters. We aim for children, by the end of Reception, to be able to hold a pencil effectively and to form recognisable letters correctly. Teaching of handwriting focusses on letter families, where letters are formed in similiar ways, to help children understand and practise correct letterformation. We believe that frequent teaching of handwriting is essential, with a gradual introducton to joined handwriting as children become more confident. Continuous assessment and support is provided to ensure children meet these expectations and receive targeted interventions if needed.
Sitting effectively to write
At Killinghall, we focus not only on the content of what children write but also on the mechanics of writing itself. This includes ensuring that they sit correctly and hold their pens and pencils in the right way. Good posture and grip are essential for developing healthy writing habits, which can significantly impact their ability to write for longer periods without discomfort. Pupils are encouraged to sit like an effective writer in their best sitting position.
Oracy
At Killinghall, we understand that spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing. We know that the quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak are vital for developing their vocabulary and grammar and their understanding for reading and writing. Therefore, through our inspiring curriculum we continually develop pupils' confidence and competence in spoken language and listening skills. Pupils are given plenty of opportunities to explain their understanding of books and other reading, and to prepare their ideas before they write. Regularly in Praise Assembly on a Friday, pupils share their work aloud in front of the rest of the school.
Spelling in Key Stage 2.
Spelling is taught on a weekly basis and each lesson has a main objective from the National Curriculum appendix for spelling. As part of our commitment to providing the best learning experiences for our children, at Killinghall we use Spelling Shed in Key Stage Two to enhance spelling skills in a fun and interactive way.
Spelling Shed is an engaging online platform designed to offer a wide range of activities that cater to different learning styles, making spelling practice enjoyable for everyone. Each child will have opportunities to play games, complete challenges, and earn rewards as they progress through various spelling lists tailored to their year group. This approach not only reinforces the spelling rules and patterns outlined in the National Curriculum but also encourages a sense of achievement and motivation in our students.
Each week, the class teacher sets the list of words the pupils are learning each week on Spelling Shed to practise at home as part of their homework and they will be able to monitor their progress. Consistency is key, and these short, regular sessions can significantly improve their confidence and proficiency.