Writing

‘Writing is the painting of the voice’ - Voltaire  

At The Mill, we empower children to become confident, creative, and independent writers using the Talk 4 Writing framework. This framework, alongside careful planning by skilled teachers, ensures that every child is equipped with the tools to communicate their ideas clearly. By fostering creativity, independence, and confidence, we prepare our children to become skilled writers who can engage and inspire readers around the world.

Oracy 

We strongly believe that before a child can write, they need to be able to talk through their ideas and confidently use a wide range of vocabulary. We prioritise oracy in our writing sessions and each year group has a unit dedicated to developing children’s ability to speak publicly, for example Year 4 children write, learn, create cue cards and deliver persuasive speeches. 

Writing for Purpose

At The Mill, we focus on the purposes for writing and each purpose is taught through a range of genres. Across their writing journey at the school, the children will have opportunities to master writing to: 

Entertain

Persuade

Recount

Inform

Instruct

Discuss

Explain 

Talk 4 Writing framework

The three-part Talk 4 Writing model begins with the ‘Imitation’ phase, where children immerse themselves in a model text. Through engaging activities like storytelling and role-play, they develop oracy skills and build confidence as they learn the text's structure and language features.

Next, in the ‘Innovation’ phase, children use their creativity to adapt the model text. This stage encourages them to experiment with new ideas while retaining the core elements of effective writing. Teachers guide children through collaborative writing sessions, fostering a supportive environment that nurtures independence and originality.

Finally, the ‘Invent’ phase allows children to write their own pieces on an area of their choice, drawing on the skills and techniques they've learnt. 

Fostering a child’s written voice

In addition to the many opportunities the children are given to create their own written pieces, in the final summer term, the children plan their own writing sessions. This is known as the ‘application term’. Teachers revisit purposes and genres that have been taught across the year and choose one for each of the weeks. The children then have complete say over the content and genre of their writing. This special creative term allows the children the opportunity to demonstrate all that they have learnt in their writing journey at the school so far.  

Subject Lead: Jess Burnett