Inside Ivanhoe

IPS Tips 

F - Year 2 (approximately)- HELPING YOUR CHILD TO WRITE

Learning to write begins with scribbling and drawing. This is an important first step and should be encouraged. The next step is to encourage your child to write letter-like shapes, before moving on to practice writing the alphabet – both capitals and lower case letters. After this, encourage your child to write sentences containing short words.

 

Writing about experiences and interests

Topics might include:

  • a piece of writing about a recent experience, such as a wedding or birthday party, or an excursion. For example, a trip to the museum could result in recounting the day’s activities, a report about dinosaurs, a report about “The Best Thing I Learnt Today,” a short story about a family of dinosaurs, or a written list of exhibitions
  • something that interests them. Your child could create a poster or a short article on a hobby or other interest
  • a dream or memory they have discussed recently.

Year 3 - 6 (approximately)- HELPING YOUR CHILD TO WRITE

As your child moves through primary school, he or she will begin writing longer creative pieces, writing in different genres, and exploring non-fiction and persuasive writing.

Digital writing and creating

We now live in a world full of digital technology. To give your child the best chance of success in literacy, it is important that your child becomes comfortable with technology and can use various technologies to share their ideas and show their creativity.

Some activities your child might do include:

  • Create a website with a specific interest in mind, such as a hobby, a sports team, or an historical event that interests them.
  • Write a blog on a hobby or interest. 
  • Write a short film script and then shoot the film using a mobile phone, tablet or video recorder. Use editing software to edit the film and create titles.
  • Write a radio script and then record the script using a mobile phone, tablet, or digital voice recorder.
  • Write a short story and record it using a mobile phone, tablet, or voice recorder. Find digital film score music or sound effects to create mood and suspense.
  • Write emails or instant messages to family members.
  • Use presentation or slide software to create presentations for the family about a recent family holiday, or about something of personal interest.