The Teaching of Writing at Meynell

The teaching of English is through the immersive model of ‘Sequence for writing’ with a focus on acquiring and using vocabulary in context.

We follow the mastery in English approach to writing. This is an approach to ensure children are exposed to age related expectations and ‘close the gap’.  It covers both narrative and non-fiction. 

A cross curricular approach is encouraged, with lots of our English and wider curriculum topics being interlinked.

Each classroom has a visible English display that follows the principles of sequence for writing so that children see the journey of their learning and the build up to a piece. 

At Meynell we are always using our growth mindset and thinking about how we can make our work even more fantastic. Green Pen Work (GPW) is continuous throughout the writing process and focuses on moving learning forward and is related to the success criteria for that lesson, spelling or proofreading (e.g. capital letters, punctuation).

A discrete editing and improving lesson comes at the end of the writing sequence. Children's fantastic work is published and displayed around school. We have a 'Meynell's Magnificent Writing Wall' in school, where displays work that children are especially proud of. 

SPaG

Spelling, punctuation and grammar skills are taught both in the context of sequence for writing but also in stand-alone lessons. Children are tested using termly and their scores recorded

Spelling

Children learn spelling rules through Read Write Inc. Spelling in years 2-6

Children in Year 2 start the program once they are accessing grey RWI or have completed the program. 

Explicit RWI Spelling lessons happen 4 times a week for 15/20 minutes per session

Children learn to spell common exception words (CEW) through our ‘rocket words’ system. Words are progressive and grouped into the following colours:

red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple

Children have bookmarks in class that they use to practise 'rocket words'. Children keep rocket bookmarks to support spelling in class.

Handwriting

We follow the Martin Harvey approach to handwriting. A discrete handwriting is taught for a minimum of 20 minutes 3 x a week.