English - Writing
(including Grammar, Spelling and Handwriting)
Subject Leader: Miss S Sadiq
Writing
We are determined for every child to develop a passion for the written word, as aspiring readers and writers of the future. Therefore, we provide opportunities for pupils to develop their literary thinking; to be creative, experiment with language and express ideas. Our writers are also taught the necessary linguistic and language tools so that they can organise and structure their work effectively.
In keeping with our core curriculum drivers, we aim for children to enjoy the process of writing, whilst understanding and appreciating its value as a form of communication. Effective speaking, listening, reading and comprehension; as well as vocabulary and language acquisition, provide the necessary foundations for successful writing development. In this way, they are all inextricably linked. Therefore, we adopt a holistic approach to English at Great Smeaton.
At Great Smeaton our writing sessions are designed to be accessible for children of all abilities and backgrounds. Adaptations will be made to the curriculum, equipment and to resources to allow all pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to write to the best of their ability. This also includes children who are academically more able. Provision is also made for children with EAL. This is monitored closely by the English leader in accordance with the SENDCo, Headteacher and governors.
Teachers and children draw on a wide range of subject matter; including high quality texts, tangible materials and real-life experiences, to provide exciting stimuli for writing. For example, pupils will explore a range of texts from culturally diverse sources. Children’s personal experiences from educational visits, as well as special events that may happen in school may also be used as key sources of inspiration for writing.
Our pupils will recognise and write in the style of a range of genres, that will be thought-provoking and to their readers. They will know how to tailor their writing to suit the intended audience. Pupils will also understand the importance of accuracy, precision and style.
Being equipped with the necessary skills to communicate effectively through writing, will allow pupils to develop their self-confidence, as they move forward into secondary education and their adult lives.
Please click on the link below to find out more about our intent and progression documents for writing. (Planning is currently been revised)
Spelling
Accurate spelling is important for children throughout their education and lives. Learning to spell helps children to develop a strong connection between the letters and their sounds, and learning high-frequency ‘sight words’ (i.e. words that can not easily be sounded out) will help children in both their reading and writing. The more thoroughly a child knows a word, the more likely it is that they will be able to recognise it in unfamiliar texts, spell it and use it appropriately in their own speech and writing.
Studies have identified that the importance of learning the alternative spellings for words that sound the same - HOMOPHONES (e.g. rain, rein, reign) means that it is easier to quickly discern the correct meaning of that word. Knowledge of other common patterns in spelling can help children to spell unknown words accurately.
We teach spelling daily at school and the children have access to a wide range of of spelling activities and strategies.
Handwriting
A cursive approach to teaching letter formation and developing joined handwriting is also used in Early Years and KS1, and children are encouraged to develop their own, comfortable and fluent joined style in Key Stage 2.
Learning at Home
Spelling
Spelling games can be a fun way to learn together at home too!
Here are some free spelling games online that children and families can play together. It is often the ‘spelling talk’ and discussion around the answers that is most valuable when ‘practising’ spellings.’
EYFS – Little Bird Spelling Game
https://ictgames.com/littleBirdSpelling/
KS1 – Spelling Games
https://spellingframe.co.uk/spelling-rule/113/1-ai-Vowel_digraphs_and_trigraphs
KS2 – Superheroes Game
https://www.bbc.co.uk/games/embed/small-town-superheroes?exitGameUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fbbc.co.uk%2Fbitesize%2Farticles%2Fzncgvk7