blue read me blog banner 7th Feb 2018

Does Mighty Writer Work with Talk for Writing?

A better question is why does Mighty Writer work with Talk for Writing when – on the surface at least – they appear to be fundamentally different approaches to literacy.

Read more
blue read me blog banner 5th Feb 2018

How to Support your Literacy Teaching in KS1&2

There are so many fantastic resources available to use with children to enable them to make progress in their literacy skills.

You can mix and match them depending on your focus and the children you are working with.

Read more
Light Blue Pencil blog banner 13th Jul 2017

Tell Me Your Ideas | Teaching Primary Literacy

The process of learning to write involves a wide range of skills.  

Children need to acquire them and apply them. They need to become adept at combining them effectively.

It is our job to make this journey a simple one!

Read more
red read me blog banner 3rd Jul 2017

How to Make Writing Exciting for KS1 Children

Getting ready!

I love it when a plan comes together!

The times when I literally couldn’t wait to teach what I’d planned.

I knew the children would be inspired.  I could see the outcome in my mind’s eye and I was confident in how my class would achieve it.

Read more
orange pencil blog banner 25th Jun 2017

Constructive Classroom Organisation | Key Stage One

Where there is creativity there is always mess! 

I like to try and keep most things organised and with that sometimes come the assumption that I can be bossy! 

But children are curious and creative. Their play and exploration is always purposeful but it can be messy!

Read more
light blue read me banner 16th Jun 2017

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.  

Read more
Blue pencil blog banner 9th Jun 2017

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.  

Read more
blue read me blog banner 20th May 2017

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.

Read more
Orange read me blog banner 4th May 2017

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...

Read more
Blue pencil blog banner 24th Mar 2017

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.

Read more
orange pencil blog banner 22nd Mar 2017

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.

Read more
light blue read me banner 12th Mar 2017

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.

Read more