Writing at Hatfield Peverel Infant and Nursery School
Reception children focused on the book ‘The Magic Paintbrush’ by Julia Donaldson. The children made their own magic paintbrush and ordered pictures from the story. They practised handwriting patterns using paintbrushes, water and chalk boards.
Year One children enjoyed writing ‘How to’ guides following on from making stick puppets!
During our writing workshops, children practised their CVC words with their parents and carers using the Little Wandle charts.
Writing skills are taught creatively across all areas of the curriculum, ensuring that writing has a purpose, reinforcing our cross-curricular approach. We aim for pupils to:
· See themselves as writers from their first experience of school
· Be able to express ideas in a written form
· Use writing to communicate with others
· Use various forms of writing for different purposes
· Have an experience of rich and varied language
· Develop the necessary writing skills to be a competent writer with an understanding of the basics – spelling, grammar, handwriting and punctuation
· Have a balance between learning the mechanics of writing and opportunity to write creatively
· Develop a personal, legible style of writing
Scribble Club
Scribble Club, created by Greg Bottrill, is an engaging approach that supports the development of early mark-making skills and lays the foundations for confident writing. Through imaginative co-play, adults model and invent meaningful scribbles that inspire children to create adventures, stories, magic, and dreams. By linking the real world with children’s own imaginative worlds, Scribble Club gives purpose and excitement to early mark making, encouraging children to see themselves as creators and storytellers. At our school, we use Scribble Club as the starting point of our children’s writing journey. Sessions incorporate dance, music, and large physical movements to strengthen the gross and fine motor skills that are essential for developing handwriting and writing. As children’s confidence grows, they begin to transform their scribbles into recognisable drawings, discovering that the marks they make can communicate ideas, tell stories, and express their imagination. Scribble Club sessions are full of fun, creativity, and exploration. They provide children with a safe and inspiring environment in which to experiment with mark making, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to become enthusiastic and successful writers.
Drawing Club
Drawing Club, developed by Greg Bottrill, is an imaginative approach that immerses children in a world of stories, creativity, and adventure. We have embraced Drawing Club because of the excitement and joy it brings to our children every day. Through Drawing Club, we open the door to the magical world of books, tales, and storytelling while enriching children’s language and communication skills, developing their fine motor control, and creating meaningful shared experiences. It provides a wonderful introduction to literacy, nurturing a love of stories and encouraging children to become confident, enthusiastic communicators. Drawing Club is centred on doing what is right for our children. Rather than following a set scheme, it is a flexible approach that responds to children’s interests, needs, and curiosity. Sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and inspiring, giving every child the opportunity to explore exciting adventures and develop the confidence and creativity that will support their writing journey throughout school. One of the most exciting aspects of Drawing Club is that anything can happen. By listening to different ideas, sharing their own thoughts, and exploring stories through imaginative “What if…?” discussions, children’s creativity flourishes. As their imaginations grow, so too does their confidence as storytellers, helping them to become creative thinkers, enthusiastic writers, and lifelong lovers of stories.
Literacy Tree
At our school, our aim is to support the development of fine motor skills and handwriting proficiency amongst all our children, encouraging them to take pride in the presentation of their work and build a crucial life skill. We use the Letter-join online handwriting programme and lesson resources to support the teaching of handwriting across the school, ensuring progression and full coverage of the National Curriculum requirements.
My name is Mrs Francis and I am the Subject Lead for English. I am passionate about developing children’s love of language, particularly through phonics and early reading. As someone who enjoys reading for pleasure — especially crime thrillers — I am committed to encouraging every child to discover a love of reading, whatever their preferred genre may be.
Having studied Performing Arts at college, I enjoy bringing creativity, expression and storytelling into the classroom. I strive to inspire children to become confident, imaginative writers who are able to explore their ideas, develop their own voice and bring their imaginations to life through writing.
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching English is seeing children grow in confidence and realise the power that reading and writing can have in helping them express themselves and understand the world around them.