Limitless Literacy
In Autumn term, the English team delivered training to staff based on the writing framework focusing on sentence structure and conferencing. In addition we have monitored books from across the school and can see the impact of the training. Below you will see lessons focusing on grammar and sentence structure taught through the class text.
Concise Communicators - EYFS
In Nursery, we simplify sentence structure by using short, clear phrases and simple words during all interactions. We specifically talk about engaging topics like cake and birthdays, making the vocabulary immediately relevant and memorable for the children. Visuals provide concrete reference points, aiding children in associating simple words with objects and actions. By focusing on concise sentences, we provide accessible models that children can easily imitate and repeat, building their confidence in speaking. This strategy supports the development of strong speaking and listening skills by reducing cognitive load and encouraging quick responses.
Sensible Sentences - KS1
In Year 1, we have been focusing on sentence writing. Children have found various opportunities to explore what a sentence is and how to write a sentence that makes sense. Lessons were dedicated to this: for instance, they were given sheets with words that needed to be unscrambled to make a sentence. Success criteria for work have been amended accordingly to place additional emphasis on paying attention to writing sentences correctly and using the correct punctuation. Additionally, we have been teaching adjectives to improve the quality of sentences. Attached is an example of a piece of writing based on the story ‘Beegu’. Time openers, onomatopoeia and adjectives were introduced and encouraged through modelling the writing and many children took this on board, which was reflected in their work. Some experimented with the use of exclamation mark and children used vocabulary from the book. Next steps and conferencing also helped reinforce teaching sentence structure.
Pro Prose - LKS2
In the Autumn term children have been reading two texts: “Ug”, a boy who lives in the stone age and want to change things for the better! Also, “The King Who Banned the Dark”, about a King who was so afraid of the dark he decided to ban it. We have written in a range of from including a newspaper article, speech and a poem.
As a year group, we have been focusing on building simple sentences using subject and verbs that we can later use for our extended write. The children have had the opportunity to explore in lesson what make a good sentence and then practice in their books. All the sentences and grammar lessons have been linked to the texts we have explore throughout the term.
Stellar Story Tellers- UKS2
In Autumn 1, Year 5 started off the year reading Cosmic by Frank Cottrell-Boyce. A story about a boy who is mistaken for an adult and accidentally goes to space. Year 5 were tasked with the challenge to write a description of the view of space. To ensure the children are secure in using fronted adverbials we wrote sentences using prepositions to describe the view before they wrote their description. Later in the term we introduced embedded clauses to the children through their biography writing.
