Talk for Writing

We have introduced the Talk for Writing approach across the school this half term, and the children have embraced this new way of learning with enthusiasm and excitement. Their ability to recall stories, use new vocabulary, and engage in rich discussions about texts has been wonderful to see. It’s been especially heartening to watch how inclusive the approach is, making English more accessible for every child, while also providing plenty of stretch and challenge for our budding writers.

So what exactly is Talk for Writing? A key feature is that children internalise the language structures needed to write through ‘talking the text’, as well as close reading giving them the tools to develop their own creative and effective pieces of writing. You can find out more about the approach and key phases of the process here.

Alongside this, we’ve introduced new high-quality books into classrooms, raised our expectations for handwriting, spelling, and presentation, and increased opportunities for children to enjoy short bursts of purposeful writing.

We’d love you to ask your children about what they’ve been working on — you’ll be amazed by what they can recall and the new language they’re using!

Next week, we’ll be welcoming our Writing Consultant, Jamie Thomas, back into school to celebrate the progress the children and staff have made. It’s been wonderful to see how passionately our teaching team have embraced this approach and the positive difference it’s already making in classrooms.

A huge well done to our brilliant staff and pupils — we’re excited to see how this journey continues!