Literacy

Understanding the Conventions Trait in Writing

At Vermont Primary School, one of the key elements we teach in our writing curriculum is the Conventions trait. This component focuses on the rules that make writing easy to read and understand, covering areas like spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalisation. Strong conventions allow readers to engage with ideas effortlessly without being distracted by errors.

What Are Writing Conventions?

Writing conventions refer to the standard rules that help maintain clarity in written language. These include correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalisation. Mastering conventions is essential for students, as it ensures their ideas are communicated clearly and accurately. When conventions are applied well, writing appears polished, professional, and easy to follow.

How We Develop Conventions in the Classroom

To support students in building strong conventions skills, we focus on several strategies:

Practice with Purpose: Students participate in focused practice that targets specific conventions like punctuation, spelling, or grammar. By breaking down these areas, they develop confidence and accuracy.

Editing and Proofreading Skills: We teach students to review their writing with a critical eye. Editing and proofreading activities help them learn to spot and correct their own mistakes, leading to greater independence.

Using Tools and Resources: In our classrooms, students use dictionaries, spelling lists, and grammar guides to support their understanding of conventions. We also introduce digital tools to reinforce accuracy and foster independence.

Modeling Correct Conventions: Teachers model correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar in their own writing, and we use mentor texts that showcase effective conventions in action.

Creating a Checklist: Students are provided with a checklist for conventions. This tool reminds them to check for common issues like spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure, ensuring a final product that is polished and accurate.

How Parents Can Support Conventions Development at Home

Parents play an essential role in reinforcing conventions. Here are some ways to support this growth:

Read Together: Reading regularly helps children internalise proper conventions. While reading, point out punctuation marks, unique spellings, or sentence structures that help with clarity.

Play Word Games: Games like Scrabble or Boggle are fun ways to practice spelling and vocabulary. They can also boost your child’s interest in spelling and grammar.

Encourage Proofreading: When your child completes a writing task, encourage them to review it for mistakes. This could include checking for missing punctuation or spelling errors, helping them build strong self-editing habits.

Celebrate Correct Conventions: Acknowledge when your child successfully uses correct punctuation, spelling, or grammar in their work. Positive reinforcement encourages them to keep up these habits.

With a focus on conventions, students can feel confident that their writing will be clear and accessible to their readers. By supporting this development at home, parents can help reinforce these essential skills and contribute to their child’s growth as a writer.

Fortnightly Items

Writing Challenge

If your child enjoys their writing and is keen to write for enjoyment at home, below is a prompt that you could ask your child to write about. 

You’re the mayor of a new town, and now you want people to move there. How will you convince them to join you?

Comprehension Question 

This fortnight’s questions are:

• Can you think of another title for this book? Why would it be a good title? 
• Is there anything that you have learned while reading this book?