Writing

We are dedicated to developing writing skills across all age groups, from EYFS to Year 6. Our writing curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and progressive approach to writing, integrating foundational skills with creative expression. By using Letterjoin to support handwriting instruction and combining it with a broad range of writing activities, we aim to ensure that every child, regardless of age or ability, can develop strong, confident writing skills.

Intent

Our writing curriculum aims to:

  1. Develop Strong Handwriting Skills: We provide a solid foundation in handwriting through the use of Letter-join, ensuring that pupils develop clear, legible, and fluent handwriting from an early age.

  2. Build Essential Writing Techniques: We teach pupils the key components of writing, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and composition, to enable them to communicate their ideas effectively.

  3. Encourage Creative Expression: We foster creativity and self-expression through a variety of writing activities and genres, encouraging pupils to explore and develop their own writing styles and voices.

  4. Support Individual Progress: We recognise the diverse needs within our mixed-age classes and provide differentiated instruction to support each child's development and growth in writing skills.

Implementation

  1. EYFS and Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2):

    • Foundation of Handwriting: We introduce and reinforce handwriting skills using Letter-join’s engaging resources. We focus on letter formation, writing on lines, and building fine motor skills.

    • Basic Writing Techniques: Pupils develop basic writing skills, including sentence formation, punctuation, and simple spelling rules. We use storytelling, shared writing, and guided practice to support early writing development.

    • Creative Activities: We encourage creative writing through picture prompts, simple narratives, and descriptive writing. We provide opportunities for children to write for different purposes and audiences.

  2. Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6):

    • Advanced Handwriting: Pupils continue to develop and refine handwriting skills with Letter-join’s more advanced resources, focusing on cursive writing, fluidity, and speed.

    • Expanded Writing Techniques: We build on grammar, punctuation, and spelling knowledge with more complex structures, including varied sentence types, paragraphing, and cohesive writing. We also incorporate regular writing exercises and targeted grammar lessons.

    • Genre Exploration: Children explore a wide range of writing genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and reports. We encourage pupils to experiment with different styles and purposes, developing their unique writing voices.

    • Critical Feedback and Revision: We teach pupils to review and revise their writing critically, using peer feedback and self-assessment to improve their work. We emphasise the writing process, including drafting, editing, and final presentation.

Impact

Through our writing curriculum, we aim for pupils to:

  1. Achieve Proficiency in Handwriting: Demonstrate clear, legible, and fluent handwriting, with the ability to write efficiently and comfortably using Letter-join’s techniques.

  2. Master Writing Skills: Apply essential writing techniques, including accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation, to create well-structured and coherent pieces of writing.

  3. Express Creativity and Originality: Utilise their creative skills to produce engaging and original written work across various genres and formats.

  4. Build Confidence and Independence: Gain confidence in their writing abilities and become independent writers who are capable of tackling diverse writing tasks with enthusiasm and competence.

By implementing a comprehensive writing curriculum from EYFS to Year 6, supported by Letter-join, we are committed to fostering a love of writing and ensuring that every child develops the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their written communication. Our approach ensures that writing instruction is both effective and engaging, providing pupils with a strong foundation and a lifelong passion for writing.

Features of Continuous Cursive

● Each letter starts on the line unless they follow a top joining letter (o, r, x or v)

● The child keeps the pencil on the paper for the whole word, giving a very fluent style

● Pupils should eventually develop the ability to produce letters without thinking

● The automatic style releases the brain to concentrate on other ideas i.e. spelling, grammar, syntax, style and content.

 

Benefits of Continuous Cursive

● By making each letter in one movement, children’s hands develop a ‘physical memory’ of it, making it easier to form the correct shape;

● Because letters and words flow from left to right, children are less likely to reverse letters which are typically difficult (like b/d or p/q);

● There is a clearer difference between capital letters and lower case letters.