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Epping Public SchoolParent Forum

Big Writing

Opportunity Excellence Success

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What is Big Writing?

“If they can’t say it, they can’t write it”Ros Wilson



Big Writing is an approach to teaching writing and

raising writing standards that focuses on:

● The importance of TALK and oral rehearsal

● Accurate basic skills – spelling, punctuation, grammar and handwriting.

● Regular and meaningful assessment and target setting.

● High expectations for all pupils.● Giving writing a purpose and making it fun!

Big Writing


“Successful writing is like ballet. It is only when all the steps have been learnt, the sequences have been rehearsed and re-rehearsed, the techniques have been honed and the performer has brought them all together in a wonderful interpretation of performance, that the abilities of the dancer (or the writer) can be truly judged”

Ros Wilson


Features of Big Writing


The writer’s voice defines both the language the writer uses and the style with which he or she structures

sentences. In Big Writing it is taught through V.C.O.P which is:

● Vocabulary – The range of vocabulary the child has and can use, including ambitious vocabulary (Wow Words!);

● Connectives – The use of a wide range of connectives including conjunctions, connecting adverbs and prepositions;

● Openers – The range of ways a child has for opening sentences, including the use of the three Power Openers (connectives, ‘ly’ words and ‘ing’ words); and

● Punctuation – The range of punctuation the child uses, including punctuation for effect or Power Punctuation (? ! …).


Every class has a 'Wow Words' board where new and impressive words that the children have used throughout the week and have found in good quality texts, are shared with everyone. The children are encouraged to use these words where appropriate in their writing.


Every class displays examples of powerful connectives. The children are encouraged to use these in their writing to join sentences and paragraphs, therefore improving the organisation of their writing.


Every class displays and discusses good sentence ‘openers’ (sentence starters) that the children can use in their writing to make their sentences and overall texts more interesting. Teach ways of improving a basic sentence by changing how it begins.


The teaching of punctuation is based on the ‘Punctuation Pyramid.’ Children start by using full stops and capital letters, then question marks followed by commas and an exclamation mark.


Our children are encouraged to be ambitious, up-level their work and focus on the elements of VCOP in their writing. By

highlighting these areas and independently using the Student Success Criteria , our children are empowered by

understanding the simple and successful ways to improve their writing.


This is an independent writing time whereby students practise all the writing skills that they have been learning in class time. The lighting is sometimes changed and music is often played softly in the background.

Research shows that children need to develop confidence in using language verbally before they can use it in their writing. In order for children to produce their best writing they need to discuss the topic in advance. Discussion work always forms a key part of our ‘Big Write’ sessions.

Talk homework is discussion only about thetopic that the children will be writing about.


Where does talk homework come in?


Talk Homework

• Talk! Ask them to describe everything and anything.• Take it in turns to tell a story. One person starts it, the other says what happens next etc…• Look at a picture or photo together. Use it to tell a story.Think of a title for your story. What would the opening 10 words be?• Encourage your children to spot WOW words and perhaps write them down in a book at home or on a piece of paper.• Encourage your children to borrow words or phrases which they like from books, magazines, television programmes.


What can you do to help your child?

WRITE… make it realEncourage them to:

• write letters

• write a diary

• take notes about a walk, a trip etc…

• make lists – to do lists, shopping lists, lists of

• favourite music, games, characters, books etc…

• Use games to help develop vocabulary such as puzzles, crosswords, word games, anagrams etc…


What can you do to help your child?

big writing - home - epping public school...talk! ask them to describe everything and anything. •...

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