Mighty Writer Blog

What Makes a Good Writer? | Key Stage One Literacy

I have always been intrigued and amazed at the way children can learn from one other. 

I can recall teaching a Polish child in my Year 3 class.  He had very little English but all the children in the class communicated well with him and they understood each other. 

One day we were doing a writing activity that involved lots of discussion.  What I observed will always stay with me and was a lesson to me in how capable and insightful children are.  

How Can I Teach Writing Well? | Key Stage One Literacy

What does effective teaching of writing look like?

Every teacher is different and brings their own personality and unique style to the role of teaching children. 

This is important. It makes learning a vibrant and interesting journey for children.  

Building the Right Foundations for KS1

Children are active learners.

They need to be able to ‘have a go’ – to explore and practise so the things they learn are meaningful and have lasting significance.

They need opportunities to consolidate their learning, to be shown new things in interesting and appealing ways – so they’re actively engaged in the way they learn.

5 Things Which Motivate Children to Write

It’s an important question. 

How can we motivate children to be interested in and excited about writing?

Learning new things has to be appealing. We are far more receptive to new ideas. It makes it easier to absorb and process information.

We should ask ourselves the following questions when teaching any part of the writing process to children...

Harnessing The Power of Multisensory Learning

"If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn." – Ignacio Estrada

‘Hands on’ is what it’s all about In a child’s world. Getting stuck in. Making the most of every minute. Learning... and enjoying it!  

Children are so inquisitive and excited in the way they engage with the world around them. They acquire skills and understanding at a rapid rate.

How Our Approach to Teaching Writing Matters

“Children must be taught how to think – not what to think.” Margaret Mead

Someone once asked me what I thought was the most important part of my job as a teacher.  It didn’t take me long to think of a response. I passionately believe it is to instil in children the ability to be lifelong learners.

Why? You have instilled in a child a love of learning.  And this lasts a lifetime.

How Do Children Learn?

“What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” - Alfred Mercier

It’s true isn’t it? We’re much more likely to remember the things we like.

When I think about how I learn...

The focus is all about the task in hand. I’m motivated. Exploring. Thinking. Talking. Reflecting. Excited about what I’m discovering. I’m not thinking about what I should be learning. I’m immersed in what I am learning.