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Writing at Ashurst

English Leader - Miss E. Hunter

Writing is taught using the Talk4Writing programme from Nursery to Year 6. The three stages of the process imitate, innovate and independent application are followed through in each unit of work. Fiction and non-fiction units are taught every half term in every class. The core texts, as detailed in the long-term map, have been planned to ensure there is progression and challenge across each year, with a balance of genres and skills, building on what has gone before. 

In EYFS they also follow the same Talk4Writing programme with a clearer focus on children ‘imitating’ and internalising the text, slowly building up to more independent writing. In both Nursery and Reception non-fiction and fiction text types are covered. Traditional tales provide the starting point for much of the literacy content.

Imitation Phase - In this phase children learn each core text using actions and maps to help them internalise the language structure.

Innovation Phase - Once children have internalised the core text they are then able to change aspects of it in order to create their own story using the structures of the original.

Independent Application - In this phase children use what they have learnt to create their own story.

 

What is Talk for Writing? Pie Corbett explains.

Talk for Writing founder and Literacy expert, Pie Corbett, gives a brief overview of the Talk for Writing approach to teaching Literacy, and why it works.

Spag.com

In years 1 -6 we use Spag.com as part of our weekly homework.  SPaG.com provides KS1 and KS2 practice punctuation & grammar tests. Plus 80 additional tests covering grammar objectives for every year group. It is new & updated for 2021.  Completing weekly punctuation and grammar tasks helps learning stick.  Children recap on previously taught skills and practice new learning.  These short weekly tasks are used in Year 1 (from Spring Term) to Year 6. 

To access Spag.com website please follow this link:

https://www.spag.com/Public/Home 

Spelling Shed

Spelling Shed is a whole-school spelling curriculum.  For each class there are 36 weekly objectives and spelling lists that give a steady progression through the curriculum as well as review and challenge lists to extend vocabulary. For each week's spelling list we provide a traditional printable practice sheet that follows the look-cover-write-check format. We compliment this with spelling games and different spelling strategies to support children in remembering the rules and spelling patterns.  We look for spelling application in independent writing to assess spelling standards and progress.

 

Handwriting 

It is important children learn the letter correct formation early on. We use the Read, Write, Inc. handwriting phrases.  Take a look at the document below and use these phrases at home so children get consistency.  Consistency is key, so we would encourage parents and carers to use the same phrases at home.