A craft move is any writerly technique or strategy used by writers to enhance the quality and impact of their writing. They encompass various aspects of writing, including: literary features, grammar and sentence-level techniques, structural choices and stylistic elements.
Craft moves are taught through direct instruction and modelling examples, with the aim to empower young writers with the knowledge and skills needed to apply the technique independently in their own writing.
- Learn more – [The BIG BOOK Of Writing Lessons: Lessons That Teach Powerful Craft Knowledge For 3-11 Year Olds]
- Grammar Lessons For 3-11 Year Olds
- Sentence-Level Instruction: Lessons That Help Children Find Their Style & Voice For 3-11 Year Olds]
Teaching craft moves can be really engaging for pupils. Here’s how to do it:
1. Find craft moves
If students help generate success criteria, they’ll be even more invested in using craft moves. Double buy-in equals double motivation!
- Learn more – [How To Get Success Criteria Right]
2. Sell the craft moves
Start by explaining the rationale behind each craft move you introduce. Students need to understand why it’s valuable and useful to their writing.
- Learn more – [Getting Writing Instruction Right]
3. Show don’t tell
Show, don’t just tell. Model the use of craft moves in your own writing to illustrate their effectiveness before inviting children to do the same in their own writing that day.
Learn more – [Getting Writing Instruction Right]