Examining Students’ Writing Samples
Findings based on examination of free writing copies using a checklist devised by the staff (3
children from each class level taken for the purpose of this analysis. 3 samples of each child’s
writing.)
What Genres are being used in
the children’s free writing?
Children tend to write about the same themes in their
writing – horses, fairies, fairy tales, scary houses
Handwriting
Majority of samples were excellent. Handwriting was
very clear, neat and joined script is used in the older class
samples. The younger classes have good, well-formed
letters.
Grammar?
Progression can be seen in grammar form class to class.
Tenses seem to be causing trouble in a lot of cases. There
is a tendency for the children to use very long sentences.
Punctuation?
A good level of punctuation is used in most classes. The
‘top’ sample in each of the senior and middle room used
speech marks and excellent punctuation generally.
Vocabulary
Very limited use of descriptive words. Children are
repeating and over using words in their samples of
writing. Generally they have an immature and limited
vocabulary for topics that are not of personal
significance.
Editing
In the younger classes there is very little evidence of
editing. Children generally are editing at word level but
not at sentence or paragraph level. They will generally
edit with support but not independently.
Sequencing/Progression
Children’s writing can be confusing and not make sense.
Perhaps they need to talk it through before writing or do
a written plan. For example, sometimes stories are
rambling and illogical e.g. A character dies and then
reappears later in the story.