Rowdown Primary School has recently adopted the Pie Corbett Talk for Writing approach to enhance pupils' storytelling abilities and foster creativity in their writing. This evidence-based strategy, is designed to engage all learners, providing an inclusive framework that caters to diverse needs and abilities. By focusing on oral storytelling, it helps pupils internalise language patterns, which they can then use as a foundation for their independent writing. 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the Talk for Writing approach is delivered through a structured process of immersion, imitation, innovation and invention. This supports children's storytelling and early writing skills in line with the Development Matters curriculum.

During immersion, children engage in hands-on experiences, such as sensory play and role-play, to help them understand the story and learn key vocabulary. They explore related topics to deepen their comprehension and make connections.

In the imitation stage, children recite and perform a model text using actions and story maps to internalise language patterns and structure. This builds their confidence and familiarity with storytelling.

The innovation phase allows children to adapt the model story by changing elements such as characters or settings, encouraging creativity while maintaining a familiar structure.

Finally, in the invention stage, children create their own stories, applying their growing vocabulary, narrative skills, and phonics knowledge. Throughout the process, they are encouraged to mark-make and record their ideas using story maps, supporting oral retelling and writing development.

Staff guide children by linking storytelling to phonics, helping them progress from mark-making to writing with confidence and accuracy. This approach fosters creativity, communication, and literacy, providing a solid foundation for future learning.

In Key stages 1 and 2, each unit in the Talk for Writing approach includes both fiction and non-fiction elements and begins with a 'cold task assessment.' This initial task identifies the specific tools from the writing toolkits that need to be addressed, ensuring that teaching is tailored to the class’s needs. At the end of the unit, children complete a 'hot task,' where they independently apply the taught toolkits, demonstrating their progress and creativity.

The approach encourages a love of writing by immersing children in high-quality texts and enabling them to explore rich vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and grammar in an interconnected way. Spelling Shed, an online learning platform, is used alongside Talk for Writing to explicitly teach spelling rules. Children are tested weekly on their spellings, and their efforts are celebrated during whole-school assemblies. For pupils needing additional support, the Homework Club offers access to Spelling Shed after school with teaching assistance, ensuring all children can make progress. Through carefully structured lessons delivered at least four times a week, students build essential writing skills and develop the confidence to express their ideas effectively. Additionally, one lesson per week is dedicated to explicit spelling and grammar practice, embedding these fundamental elements within their learning.

Talk for Writing promotes independence by equipping pupils with "toolkits" they can use to structure and enhance their work. This systematic approach supports creativity while building technical accuracy, enabling all pupils to make progress and enjoy success in writing. At Rowdown Primary School, pupils also use purple pens to edit and improve their writing, fostering a reflective approach to their work. Live marking is a key feature of this process, where children receive immediate verbal feedback and are encouraged to edit in the moment. This not only enhances the quality of their writing but also helps them develop critical self-editing skills. Pupils in Years 3 to 6 further benefit from their own 'Magpie Book,' a personal writer’s journal where they gather ideas, vocabulary, and concepts for future use. This encourages creativity and provides a valuable resource for inspiration, supporting children in crafting polished and imaginative pieces of writing. By inspiring a genuine enthusiasm for storytelling and writing, Rowdown Primary aims to raise attainment and foster a lifelong love of literacy among its students.

What can be done at home?

Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting their children’s writing and reinforcing the Talk for Writing process at home. Encouraging regular reading of a variety of high-quality texts helps children develop a rich vocabulary and an understanding of different writing styles. Discussing stories, characters, and ideas with your child can spark creativity and enhance their storytelling skills. Engaging in activities such as brainstorming ideas for their 'Magpie Book' or helping them practice their weekly spellings through platforms like Spelling Shed can further strengthen their learning. Parents can also encourage their child to share their writing, celebrate their efforts, and offer constructive feedback to build their confidence. By creating a positive and supportive environment for writing at home, parents and carers can help their children develop a genuine love for writing and succeed in their literacy journey.