Writing toolkits – story secrets

In this two-page document written by Pie Corbett, Pie explains how it can be useful for children to use writing toolkits when constructing a narrative. Pie focuses on using writing toolkits in these areas: 1. Characterisation and dialogue; 2. Description – people, places, objects, creatures; 3. Dilemma – suspense and action; and 4. Crafting the opening and ending.

Connectives and sentence signposts: the art of linking text

“Understanding the power of sentence signposts to link paragraphs, sentences, and information within sentences is key to achieving cohesive text that flows logically. They take the reader by the hand and guide them through the text somewhat like a sat nav guides a driver”.

Story reading into writing

In this document Pie Corbett explains the concept of reading as a writer and the processes involved in teaching children to understand and use different styles of writing. The document also includes toolkits for use in class.

Sentence structure progression

Rehana and Rashida from Yew Tree Community School in Birmingham, a Talk for Writing Training School, have kindly shared their toolkit showing how sentence structure progresses across the years.

Hook, line and sinker

Whether you’re after inside hooks, outside hooks, role play hooks or experience hooks, Talk for Writing trainer Jamie Thomas has it all covered and shares his hook ideas.

Connectives phrase bank

This document is a connectives phrase bank for children to use in a variety of different contexts. It is referenced in the ‘Year-on-year progression’ document.

Varying sentence types

This worksheet contains a range of different sentence types which then need to be matched with the correct description of that type of sentence. The aim is to help pupils understand different types of sentence and when they might be used.