Teaching Writing and Growing Writers PLD
This short course focuses on teaching for the knowledge and skills students need to succeed as writers across the Y0-8 pathway. The course is based on research, the English Learning Area indicators and practice from real classrooms, presented as modules over a one-day workshop or four 1.5 hour webinars to suit a school’s needs.
Key focus points:
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Embedding foundations for writing success across Y0-8;
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teacher knowledge and teaching practice for developing students as writers;
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a straightforward assessment pathway that links to the English Learning Area; and
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lessons and a class programme for enhancing writing outcomes for all learners.
MODULE 1
Embedding the Foundations
An overview
Key factors involved in writing success: transcription, texts and process to write. Developing a classroom culture for writers.
Establishing foundations for the sentence
Securing teacher knowledge about sentences; teaching techniques for simple expanded, simple compound and complex sentences. Key punctuation. Mentor sentences. Examples from classroom success.
MODULE 2
From Sentences to Paragraphs and Texts
Paragraphs
Moving from sentences to paragraph writing in a context. Teaching how to combine different sentence structures and use a variety for effect across a paragraph; examining paragraph and text structures to write with clarity; using mentor texts as guides; using writing frames.
Whole texts
Developing a piece of writing across a week. Form a cohesive piece of writing as narrative, information or persuasion. Examples from classrooms.
MODULE 3
Assessment and Focused Teaching
Key writing indicators
Using the English Learning Area indicators and student samples to identify teaching need. Supporting students to advance in capability as writers. Giving supportive feedback.
Assessing spelling and teaching to need
A straightforward spelling assessment and a quick guide to teach to need. Understanding how the vowel spellings work in English is key to teaching by concepts rather than rules.
MODULE 4
Establishing a Classroom Programme
Daily writing topics and techniques
Utilise class and community contexts for writing. Plan writing tasks to enhance engagement. Examples of writing units at different year levels based on what has worked in classrooms.
Assessing spelling and teaching to need
A straightforward spelling assessment and a quick guide to teach to need. Understanding how the vowel spellings work in English is key to teaching by concepts rather than rules.
Dates:
Terms 1 and 2, 2026
Cost (per person):
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Face-to-face – $575 +GST (includes resource book)
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Online – $475 +GST
Email the Tātai Angitu team for more information and to register your interest