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BIG Writing
A Ros Wilson Strategy
How well is our school
doing in English?
• In Reception last year 75% achieved or exceeded
expected levels in the specific learning goals,
compared with 57% in Northamptonshire
• In Key Stage 1, 39% of pupils gained a Level 3 in
writing compared with 16% in Northamptonshire
• In Key Stage 2 more than half our pupils attained
Level 5 in writing and our attainment in English is
currently in the top 10% of schools nationally
The Big Writing Philosophy
• Big Writing is the development of ‘basic
skills’ through fast, fun, lively and
predominantly oral activities.
• Pupils learn to talk using their ‘writing
voice’. Based on the premise,
IF A CHILD CAN’T SAY IT, A CHILD
CAN’T WRITE IT
There is a longer Big Writing session once
every week which includes a longer writing
session.
VCOP
VCOP
Summary
Vocabulary
The range of ambitious vocabulary a
pupil knows; WOW words.
Connectives
The range of ways pupils have of joining
ideas, phrases & sentences.
Openers
The strategies pupils have for opening
sentences; especially the 3 key openers:
connectives, ‘ly’ words & ‘ing’ words.
Punctuation
The range of punctuation a pupil can use
& the accuracy with which they use it.
Level
1
Level
2
Level
3
Level
4
Level
5
.
. ?
. ?, !
. ? , ! … ’ “”
. ? , … - ! ’ “” : ; ( )
The Punctuation Pyramid
‘Writing Voice’
and ‘Big Talk’
Children are encouraged to use
their ‘Writing Voice’ – Standard
English.
Parents as ‘talkers, listeners and
readers’.
Never miss a chance to have a good chat!
BIG WRITE SESSIONS
The night before our weekly Big Write session at
school, there will be a Big Talk Homework.
Children will discuss and prepare (mentally) for
what they are going to write about. Children
should use their ‘Writing Voice’.
The following day in school we have ‘planning time’
for a Big Write. This consists of around 35 mins
of fast, fun, lively oracy based activities linked to
what’s expected in their writing, using their
writing voice. This is followed by 10 mins of
planning time.
Silent Big Write Session
TIMINGS:
* Year 1 – 3O minutes silent Big Write session
* Year 2 and KS2 – 45 minutes silent Big Write session
So, Year 1 have half hour planning time before morning break,
then their silent half hour session after break.
Year 2 and KS2 have one and a half hours’ Big Write time split
into two x 45 min sessions across morning break.
In the second part of the session, teachers adjust the mood
and atmosphere accordingly:
Music, mood lighting, brain breaks, special pencils etc.
Mini plenaries are included in the silent session.
10 mins
40 mins
Check your
targets!
Check your
punctuation!
45
MINS
20 mins
30 mins
Check your openers
and connectives!
Check your WOW
words!
Big Talk Homework
So, how are you able to help us to get the most from your children in the
Big Write session?
Your child will come home with a slip of paper each week, explaining
what their Big Write will be about the next day. This is your child’s Big
Talk Homework.
Tomorrow Morning, your child will be writing about their chosen
Amazon rainforest animal.
Please find time this evening to talk with your child about their
plans for this piece of work.
Memories of this conversation will really help your child when
completing this task.
Big Talk Homework
Some possible suggestions:
• Use your ‘Writing Voice’
• Ask family members to say what they might
write about
• Think of ‘wow’ words that might suit your topic
that week
• Try to use the word ‘because’ to help explain
thoughts
• Use ‘spare’ moments when travelling/waiting to
talk about any topic
Why is talk important?
Talk is our language on paper. The better we can talk,
the better we can write. We write to get things we want
or need: jobs, shopping, help or advice, friendship etc.
The more words we know and the richer the words we
have, plus our confidence in using language for effect,
influences how well we succeed in life.
TOP TIPS for creating a suitable reading environment:
• Try to create a relaxed reading atmosphere. Establish a regular
time and place to read. Reading should be a happy, shared
experience in a quiet environment with no distractions.
• Reading books are changed three times a week in KS1, but children
should be heard to read at home on a daily basis. It is ok to read
the same book twice. Different skills can be developed on a second
read through.
• Remember that reading a book is not the only reading your child will
do. Encourage them to read signs, leaflets, recipes, instructions
and so on. By reading these types of texts your child will often be
reading without realising they are doing so!
It also shows them that reading is also for a
purpose.
• Read to your child. Share a story together. This is just as
much an important part of reading as having them read to you.
• It can be very motivating for a child to share books with
siblings, grandparents and friends too, so try to allow for
opportunities for this.
• Encourage the reading of a range of genres – fiction, nonfiction, comics, reference books.
Above all, enjoy the experience!
Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is an online reading
programme that makes learning
essential reading skills a fun and
motivating experience for 3 – 13 year
olds.
The programme has many features
that support core literacy teaching
and gets pupils successfully started on
their journey to becoming proficient
readers.