At Houghton Regis Primary School we aim to inspire children to become immersive writers. We use a range of different text types exploring the features of them and learning from their structure, this allows the children to develop their own imagination and writing style.
Care is taken to match writing opportunities to the wider curriculum subjects that the children are learning about as well as making links to national events to ensure that the work is relevant to the children and they have a purpose for writing. Within writing lessons, children are exposed to a range of enrichment activities to enhance their learning and giving them purpose for writing.
As part of the writing process, high value is placed on children’s planning of work as well as fostering an ethos that work is never final and should be edited to make it as successful as it can be. Children are used to using self and peer assessment to identify strengths and next steps, in not only their work, but that of their peers.
Spelling
In Early Years and Key Stage One, spelling is taught through the Little Wandle program which teaches children to use their phonetical knowledge to enable them to spell. As they move into Year 2 they also begin to learn different rules for spelling. This work continues in Key Stage Two where children use Spelling Shed to learn spelling rules appropriate for their year group.
Handwriting
Children receive weekly handwriting lessons where they are able to practice their letter formation and handwriting joins. From Key Stage Two, children are encouraged to join their writing and use a cursive style of handwriting. There are also opportunities for children to receive a ‘pen licence’ when they are able to demonstrate accurate handwriting.
We aim to develop an enjoyment of writing and give children the opportunity to develop and grow as authors.
