The Hidden Foundations of Writing
Understanding How Children Really Learn to Write
Writing is one of the most complex things children learn to do in school. Yet much of what makes writing possible happens long before children begin recording words on the page.
This webinar series explores the language, thinking and understanding that underpin successful writing — from early talk and sentence awareness to confidence, independence and writer identity.
Each session combines thoughtful insight with practical ideas that can be applied immediately in classrooms from Early Years through to Key Stage 2.
Let's Talk Mighty Writer: Strengthening Writing Across Your School
Monday 23rd March, 16:00 - 16:45
Mighty Writer is proven to have a powerful impact on children's writing - but that impact grows significantly when it's used consistently and purposefully across a whole school
What Happens Before the Pencil Hits the Page: The Invisible Foundations of Successful Writing
Wednesday 15th April - 16:00 - 16:45
We often think of writing as something that begins when children start putting words on paper. In reality, the writing process starts much earlier.
Why Writing Feels So Hard for Children: Lightening the Cognitive Load in Writing
Monday 27th April 16:00 - 16:45
When children write, they are often doing many things at once: thinking of ideas, building sentences, remembering spellings and forming letters. It's no surprise that writing can sometimes feel overwhelming.
What Writing Looks Like From the Child's Perspective: Understanding the Experience of Learning to Write
Monday 11th May - 16:00 - 16:45
Writing can look very different from a child's point of view. Moments when pupils pause, hesitate or say "I don't know what to write" often reveal more about the writing process than we realise.
Why "Write a Sentence" Is Such a Difficult Instruction: The Hidden Knowledge Behind Sentence Construction
Tuesday 2nd June - 16:00 - 16:45
"Write a sentence" sounds like a simple instruction. In reality, it draws on a surprising amount of knowledge about language.
Say It Well, Write It Well: The Architecture of a Sentence
Monday 15th June - 16:00 - 16:45
Clear writing begins with clear sentences. Understanding how sentences are built helps children communicate ideas more confidently and effectively.
When Writing Is Hard: Bridging the Gap Between Thinking and Writing
Wednesday 1st July - 16:00 - 16:45
Many children can explain their ideas clearly by struggle to record those ideas in writing. The gap between thinking, speaking, and writing can be significant for some learners.
The Hidden Curriculum of Writing: The Knowledge that Underpins Successful Handwriting
Monday 13th July - 16:00 - 16:45
Many aspects of writing develop gradually as children see language modelled, rehearse ideas through talk, and experience different types of writing across the curriculum.
What Do You Want to Talk About?
If you would like to discuss a particular topic, send us a message via the Mighty Writer WhatsApp!
Missed Our Previous Workshops? Catch Up Here...
December - Developing Independent Writers in KS1
November - Supporting All Learners
November - Building Sentences Aloud
October - Giving Every Child the Best Start in Writing
October - The Power of Talk: Raising Attainment Through Oracy
September - "The Writing Framework July '25" - What You Need To Know
July - Promoting Ownership of Children's Writing in EY & KS1.