Writing is a big focus for us at school this year. As part of our drive to improve the independence and expertise of our young writers we are introducing ‘Big Writing’ into Classes 4-6 and ‘Big Talk’ into Classes 1-3. These approaches focus on the four key aspects of writing – Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers and Punctuation (VCOP). Through weekly writing sessions (known as ‘Big Writing’), children will develop their skills in these areas, as well as learning about and revising several different writing genres, therefore improving their overall writing ability.We have started to try out the VCOP activities in some classes and we are now introducing a structured 'Big Writing' session weekly. We are sure that the children’s enthusiasm for writing will increase along with their confidence. They will become better at improving their own writing through self-assessment and develop a greater understanding of the writing process.
Big Writing will take place for one and a half hours every Friday morning in Years 2 to 6 and for one hour in Year 1 during the summer term (see structure of sessions below). Big Talk will take place regularly throughout the week and I have attached further details of activities and the types of things parents can do at home.
The Four Elements of Big Writing
Vocabulary:
Every class has a 'Wow Words' board where new and adventurous words that the children have used and have found in good quality texts, are shared with everyone.
The children are encouraged to use these words where appropriate to ‘up-level’ their talking and writing. E.g. The cat sat on the mat could become The pampered moggie snuggles serenely on the luxurious mat.
Connectives:
Every class will display examples of and practice using powerful connectives (joining words). The children are encouraged to use these to improve the organisation of their writing.
Openers:
Every class will display and discuss good sentence ‘openers’ (sentence starters) that the children can use in their writing to make their sentences and overall texts more interesting. We teach ways of improving a basic sentence by changing how it begins e.g. Suzy walked across the room to a better sentence, With her heart pounding, Suzy slowly crept across the creaking floor boards.
Punctuation:
Every class will display 'Punctuation Pyramids' showing the levels of punctuation. Children are taught the names of the higher level punctuation from Year One onwards and learn to use them in their writing. The levels of punctuation are based on National Curriculum levels which children are assessed against, ranging from full stops (Level 1) to using colons and semi-colons (Level 5).
Structure of the day:
9.00 a.m. Children arrive at school. Reading and Register
9.15 a.m. 45 minute VCOP games and planning session. Fast paced session based mainly on oral activities
• Group/paired work
• Mini whiteboard games.
• VCOP Games software/Big Writing Games software
• Punctuation thief
• Punctuation Pyramid
• Imaginary friend
• Posh voice
• Up-levelling a given text (and many more…)
10.00 a.m. Ten minute ‘brain break’ – Kung Fu Punctuation in hall while teachers set up rooms with candles, pens, music etc
10.10 a.m. Pupils line up in silence and are escorted into classroom by teachers.
10.15 a.m. 45 minute writing session. In silence. Lights dimmed, quiet music to be played and candles lit to create soothing atmosphere. Teacher breaks every 10 minutes to remind children and share good examples of V, C, O and/or P. Children use special pens and their gold ‘Big Writing’ books.
11.00 a.m. End of Big Writing Session. Break Time commences
We are currently producing an information leaflet for parents that will be sent out soon. In addition we will be inviting all parents to a ‘Big Writing’ open morning at the end of term where you will have the opportunity to see some of this work in practice. In the meantime, should you have any questions about ‘Big Writing’, ‘Big Talk’ or the Talk Homework, please do not hesitate to contact myself or your child’s teacher.
Mr Worth
