5 Types of Reluctant Writer and How to Encourage Them | KS1 Literacy

“Okay, everyone… It’s time to pick up our pencils and….”

“CAN I GO TO THE TOILET, MISS!”

10 Classroom Life Lessons from Roald Dahl

“So, please, oh please, we beg, we pray, 
Go throw your TV set away, 
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookcase on the wall.” 

– Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

Why Is Early Literacy In Childhood So Important?

No matter what the academic subject, strong foundations in literacy are the building blocks. An early grasp of reading and writing in childhood can often make the difference between success and struggle, throughout primary education and beyond. 

Back To School: 5 Icebreakers to Help with Getting to Know Your New Class

The school gates are open, the coffee mugs are filled, and children are scuttling through the door wearing baggy jumpers with plenty of ‘growing room’. 

The first day of term is here.

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.

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!

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!

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.  

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.