Our current network theme - Writing: a balanced approach
Writing has for some time been a number one priority on the school improvement plan for many schools, and, as we well know, is forever lagging behind reading in terms of national attainment.
Our theme this term seeks to get the balance right in the teaching of writing, to explore the challenges for writing development and to help address and exemplify the progress and good practice made by schools in tackling writing. We will of course be looking at the effective teaching of basic spelling, punctuation and grammar skills, but will be balancing this alongside engagement, enjoyment and the place of thinking, reading and talking into writing.
In the absence of a National Writing Project for Teachers (see introductory blog), we as a community of creative practitioners still have the power to drive and mould writing development in our schools and help create pupils who are enthusiastic, skilled and purposeful communicators for life.
Read a blog introducing our theme, from Network Adviser Judy Clark
Review key research reports that support our theme
Resource: evaluate your current writing provision with our whole-school writing audit
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Resource: A guide to text types
School showcase: The Wroxham School
The Wroxham School is a primary school in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. Teacher Steve Davy, with help from his Year 4 pupils, has told us about the strategies he uses in class to foster a love of writing and language. Watch interviews with Steve and his pupils and read about Steve's top strategies in our showcase of this excellent school.
1. Writing engagement and enjoyment
Blog: The rise of the student blogger
Fiona Lane from Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form gives tips on how to set up and run a successful school blog. View
Blog: Rising to the challenge
Schools Officer Susie Musgrove explains how taking part in practical challenges and competitions can get your pupils motivated and engaged with writing. View
Blog: Immersive learning strategies for the teaching of writing
Katie Green from Hartsholme Academy in Lincoln tells us how she used immersive learning techniques (with a little help from Superman) to teach persuasive writing to her joint Year 1 and 2 class. View
2. Spelling, punctuation and grammar
Resource: Using grammar for meaning and effect
A series of lesson notes and PowerPoints exploring and exemplifying the teaching of grammar for meaning and effect, the first of which focuses on prepositions. View
Webinar: Making grammar work
On 13 February, grammar expert Debra Myhill explained how to embed grammar within the teaching of writing, showing young writers how language creates meanings and effects. View Debra's PowerPoint
3. Talk and reading into writing
Blog: Reading into writing using "This Morning I Met a Whale"
Originally written for our reading theme, Judy Clark takes a gem of a story by Michael Morpurgo and shows how the reading of a story can act as a starting point for great writing opportunities. View
Blog: The right words when...?
Network member Jane Dallas looks at the importance of developing a rich and varied vocabulary as a key building block to pupils' writing. View
Resources: Talk for Writing in the secondary sector
A showcase of the success that this innovative approach has had in secondary schools across the curriculum. Includes resources, blogs and a webinar recording. View
Explore the resources around our previous network themes, including reading, boys and literacy, Talk for Writing and blogging.
Explore previous themesLike what you see but not yet a member? Join our network today.
Join our networkWe're collating some favourite spelling games contributed by our members and would love to hear about the ones that you use.
Share your spelling gamesSecondary schools - engage your students in writing by taking part in Write On, our poetry competition running throughout the spring term.
Find out more
