In Primary 1, children will start to learn to write. In its most basic form, this involves learning the correct formation of letters and how to write simple words then sentences. 

Our approach

Our aim is to develop the children’s skills thus enabling them to have the confidence to begin to write. Initially, children are encouraged to talk a sentence or a story as this helps them to develop vocabulary and to order their words. We use children's knowledge of phonics to start word building early in Primary 1.

In taught writing sessions, children are given opportunities to write about relevant, real life contexts which relate to and build on their own experiences. Teachers and children identify meaningful contexts for writing, e.g., favourite things, seasonal changes, links to topic learning.  Children begin by creating black line drawings to tell a story. In the early stages, adults scribe exactly what children say to allow them the opportunity to record their thoughts on paper. As children progress at early level they overwrite, then underwrite before they begin to write independently. Have-a-go writing is very important. We even tackle the first stages of grammar by introducing them to capital letters and full stops. You will be amazed at how much their achieve in their first year! 

Talking and Writing will be continually assessed during the year by the Class Teacher and individual feedback will be given to children about their personal next steps.

Talk for Writing

As a school, writing lessons are predominately taught using Pie Corbett's 'Talk for Writing' approach.  All units are underpinned by a strong belief that discussion (talk) is the starting point for all pieces of writing, and this approach is introduced in Primary 1. After Christmas, Primary 1 use the books Beegu by Alexis Deacon and Avocado Baby by John Burningham to inspire writing in lessons using this approach. 

More information on Pie Corbett's Talk for Writing approach can be found here.

Primary 1 - Primary 3 Overview


Supporting writing development at home

Supporting writing development at home

  • Encourage your child to retell a familiar story or recent event. Give them time to organise their thoughts into order and to develop their vocabulary. You can retell a story together taking turns to tell it sentence by sentence or part by part.
  • Your child might enjoy making up imaginative stories and telling them to you. Talking is the precursor to communicating through writing.
  • Reading books to your child always helps to widen his or her vocabulary and stimulate imagination.
  • Extend a bedtime story by talking about what might happen next.
  • Be a good role model to show your child the importance of writing, e.g. shopping lists, writing notes, thank you notes and greetings cards.
  • At home it is important for your child to write sitting at a table, with good posture, using the correct pencil grip and letter formation.
  • If your child can say it then they will eventually be able to write it. Help your child by modelling appropriate language and gently rephrasing any errors they may make (e.g. “I taked a pink cake” can be rephrased as “Oh, that’s lovely, you took a pink cake”)
  • Allow lots of opportunities for your child to write, for example, writing lists, labelling objects, taking orders in a pretend cafe, have paper, pencils and crayons available.