Learning

Big Write and VCOP

Big Write and VCOP is designed to bring the fun back into writing, to make children want to write and to be continuously challenged throughout the writing journey.

At St Joseph's, classes participate in VCOP (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers and Punctuation) activities throughout their writing lessons to learn what good writers do. They use mentor texts, the learning walls and each other's ideas through purposeful talk to inform and support their writing.

A Big Write is a celebration after a cycle of writing learning. 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. The night before a Big Write, students will bring home their 'Home Talk'. 

Home Talk is an opportunity for students to discuss their thoughts, feelings and ideas with others outside of the classroom, eg a chat in the car on the way to school, or a conversation while chopping up the vegetables for dinner. It is a way for students to share their learning and have the opportunity to discuss this with others. 

Students are NOT required to write anything during 'Home Talk'. They will do their planning and writing during the Big Write session at school.

TALKING HOMEWORK IS A CHANCE TO: 

• Help your child to think through and discuss initial ideas in order to develop the thought process. 

• Engage your child in purposeful talk. 

• Ask your child for their opinions. 

• Show that it is fine to have different views or opinions. 

• Develop your child’s vocabulary. 

• Stimulate your child’s creativity. 

SOME HINTS FOR A TALKING HOMEWORK CONVERSATION: 

• Encourage as many family members as possible to be involved. 

• Make it an enjoyable activity. 

• Begin a conversation by modelling… “I think that… because …” 

• Ask other family members to give their ideas, opinions and reasons why. 

• Encourage thinking about exciting words to use to make their writing more interesting. 

 Some Stage 1 Big Write examples: