Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG)

At Kielder Primary School, teaching spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) is an essential part of our literacy curriculum. We are committed to helping pupils develop accurate spelling skills through a structured and engaging approach. By incorporating Spelling Shed into our curriculum, we provide a dynamic platform that supports effective spelling instruction and practice, catering to the diverse needs of our learners.
Intent

Our SPaG curriculum aims to:

  1. Build Spelling Proficiency: We equip pupils with the skills to spell words, punctuate sentences and apply grammar accurately and confidently, which is fundamental to their overall literacy development.

  2. Promote Independent Learning: We encourage pupils to take ownership of their SPaG practice by providing them with tools and strategies to learn and apply spelling rules effectively.

  3. Engage and Motivate: We use Spelling Shed’s interactive and game-based approach to make spelling practice enjoyable and motivating, fostering a positive attitude towards learning spelling.

  4. Support Diverse Learners: We address the varying needs of children across different age groups and ability levels, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to improve their SPaG skills.

Implementation

  1. Structured Practice: We use Spelling Shed to deliver a structured and systematic approach to spelling instruction. The programme’s tiered structure allows us to introduce and reinforce spelling patterns, rules, and exceptions in a progressive manner, suitable for mixed-age classes.

  2. Interactive Learning: Spelling Shed’s engaging games and activities are integrated into our lessons to make spelling practice interactive and enjoyable. Pupils participate in a variety of activities that cater to different learning styles, helping them to internalise and apply spelling rules effectively.

  3. Regular Assessment: We regularly assess pupils’ spelling progress through Spelling Shed’s built-in tools and formative assessments. This helps us to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, allowing us to tailor instruction to meet individual needs.

  4. Home and School Connection: We encourage pupils to use Spelling Shed both in school and at home, promoting consistent practice and reinforcement. Parents are provided with information on how to support their children’s spelling development using the platform.

  5. Cross-Curricular Focus: We mark and assess SPaG across the wider curriculum to ensure that knowledge and skills acquired are applied consistently and robustly.

Impact

Through our SPaG curriculum, supported by Spelling Shed, we aim for pupils to:

  1. Achieve Accurate Spelling: Demonstrate improved spelling accuracy and confidence in their written work.

  2. Develop Spelling Strategies: Utilise effective strategies and tools to tackle unfamiliar words and apply spelling rules independently.

  3. Enjoy Spelling Practice: Approach spelling with enthusiasm and enjoyment, recognising it as a valuable skill for their literacy development.

  4. Support Literacy Development: Contribute to overall literacy development by improving spelling, punctuation and grammar skills, which enhances reading comprehension and written expression.

By integrating Spelling Shed into our curriculum, we are committed to providing an engaging and effective spelling education that supports the literacy growth of every child. Our approach ensures that spelling instruction is both enjoyable and impactful, preparing pupils for success in their written communication.