What is Talk for Writing?
Talk for Writing, developed by Pie Corbett, supported by Julia Strong, is powerful because it is based on the principles of how children learn. It is powerful because Talk for Writing enables children to imitate the key language they need for a particular topic orally before they try reading and analysing it. Through fun activities that help them rehearse the tune of the language they need, followed by shared writing to show them how to craft their writing, children are helped to write in the same style. Schools that have adopted the approach have not only increased their children’s progress but have found that children and teachers alike love it. It not only works throughout primary schools from the early years to Year 6 but also in secondary schools where it is key to making literacy across the curriculum really work.
Training for Staff
In August, before the children returned to school, all teachers and teaching assistants had training in Talk for Write from Carol Satterthwaite that came from the UK to deliver these bespoke sessions for our staff. This training will be on-going with further visits from Carol planned for next year.
Sharing Talk 4 Writing through Parent Workshops
On Tuesday and Thursday this week we held ‘Talk for Writing’ workshops for the parents from EYFS to Year 6. We gave an overview of what ‘Talk for Writing’ is, why we are doing it and what it looks like in classes and around the school. The parents joined in playing games to spark creativity and stood up learning a story and a poem with actions!
We had a great turn-out and everyone left feeling excited about the new school initiative. If you have any questions or would just like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact our English Subject Leaders Ms Gemma Gotting or Ms Emma Spencer.