We are delighted to announce the publication of our latest book: How To Teach Writing.
It’s our hope that teachers and school-leaders will find this book interesting and useful. Our own journey from being discontented and ineffective writing teachers to Writing For Pleasure teachers has been truly transformative. As we reflect on the principles, research, and practices discussed throughout this book, it becomes apparent that a paradigm shift is not only necessary but achievable. We can turn the tide on pupils’ pernicious underachievement and dislike for writing!
Informed by extensive research and real-world application, the practices that we share in the book promise to reshape your classroom or school into a vibrant writing community. A place where you and your students write daily, explore genres, read high-quality mentor texts, and hone your craft through iterative and innovative processes.
The book starts by delving into the research landscape, sharing with you the 14 principles of world-class writing teaching. We also discuss the profound nature of the reading/writing connection and how we can support children with SEND.
We talk about how exceptional writing teachers have a comprehensive understanding of how to plan writing units across the EYFS-KS2. We also felt it was important to decipher exactly what it is the EYFS Framework and the KS1 and KS2 STA Writing Statements are asking teachers to evidence. We’ve demystified this process, offering clarity for colleagues.
Our ‘How to…‘ guides were written to empower teachers with practical strategies. From instilling purpose and audience into your writing units to fostering a love for reading, establishing success criteria, and navigating effective grammar lessons, we’ve tried to cover the spectrum of skills essential for both you and your pupils.
The vision for effective writing teaching is clear – students should not only master curriculum objectives but they should also learn how to live the writer’s life. They should engage in personal writing projects, receive daily feedback, and participate in meaningful teacher-pupil conferences.
The establishment of The Writing For Pleasure Centre, and this publication in particular, marks a new collective effort to redefine writing education. Drawing on over 600 pieces of literature, case studies, and empirical research, this approach is a testament to the impact evidence-based writing practices can have on creating purposeful and pleasurable writing classrooms (Young & Ferguson 2024).
Your journey only starts here. The future of writing education lies in the hands of dedicated educators like you who have embraced innovation and will foster a genuine love for writing in your classrooms.
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