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Following on from my previous two messages highlighting particular elements of our broad and balanced curriculum, this week I would like to shine a light on ✍️ writing💡.
At ISB, we encourage children to become confident writers. Writing underpins a lot of our communication so it is a vital skill for students. We teach about the writing process, which includes generating ideas, drafting work, editing and checking.
The process begins in Early Years where children develop the ability to ✏️ write recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed. They also learn to ✏️ spell words by identifying sounds in them and represent the sounds with a letter or letters and ✏️ write simple phrases and sentences that can be read by others. For a full overview of the Early Learning Goals, click below:
The Importance of Talk 🗣️
Before students can write, they need to be able to speak in clear sentences to share their ideas. We place a lot of emphasis on discussion and talk as well as extending vocabulary. At school, we do lots of discussion based activities to help students explore language and learn to communicate their ideas.
Spelling 🔤
From Year 2, once children are secure with their phonic knowledge, we teach spelling patterns. We want students to feel equipped to approach their writing with joy, confidence and creativity.
Monitoring progress in writing over time is fundamental to ensuring each student reaches their full potential. As students progress through Primary, they use increasingly complex spelling, punctuation, grammar, vocabulary and language.
In Seesaw, parents will see a number of handwritten examples within the Writing Progress Over Time folder of the main class group. Here, there will be a combination of Cold Writes (first attempts), Hot Writes (final drafts), Independent Writes, Scaffolded Writes (with help) and Assessed Writes. In Seesaw, parents will have access to examples of writing written in books, on paper, using mini whiteboards and many other creative mediums.
In order to further support at home, we have shared some great ways to help children see themselves at writers. The link below will take you to an article with more details on how to:
✏️ Create authentic writing experiences
✏️ Provide multiple writing materials
✏️ Encourage stress-free spelling
✏️ Value children's writing
✏️ Be a writing model
Evidence suggests a link between writing and good mental health. Not only can writing improve your creativity and memory, but it’s also a great stress reliever. Writing down thoughts, feelings and emotions can boost mindfulness and increase calm. We have teamed up with our friends at Pobble to create 20 well-being writing ideas that educate children about their mental health and that of others, as well as promote gratitude, kindness and self-care. The choice is yours! Access the full list of ideas using the link below:
Head Boy & Head Girl Voting 🗳️
Voting is underway for the ISB Head Boy and Head Girl 2023/24. This year, there are seven candidates hoping to be selected. Students in Year 3 and above will find their voting card within Seesaw. If you would like to find out more about each candidate, take a look at the video below.
Parent Workshop 🙏
A very special thank you to Dr. Jacqueline Keasberry, paediatric dentist and specialist in oral health for children. We were delighted that parents enjoyed the welcome morning in Pre Kindy which had a focus on wellbeing, including dental hygiene, healthy eating and the importance of water. It was great also to share some snack box examples with parents. We look forward to hosting the next parent workshop soon.
It's been a busy week... 🤩
This week Year 6 have been adding and subtracting integers ➕, Year 5 have been defining human and physical geography 🌏, Year 4 have been exploring their digital footprint 👣, Year 3 have been making potions 🧪, Year 2 have been painting using pointillism techniques ⚫️, Year 1 have been solving a number mystery 🔎, Reception have enjoyed some incredible stories 📚, Kindy have been riding bikes 🚲 and Pre Kindy have been planting new life 🌱.
If you would like more detailed information relating to anything referenced in this message, please do not hesitate to message in Seesaw. Mr Michael Everett | Head of Primary