Writing at Robin Hood
Hi, I’m Mrs Blackburn - the writing lead at Robin Hood Primary School and a Key Stage Two writing moderator for the local authority. I studied English at university for three years before deciding to complete my teaching degree and bring the passion I have for writing to children.
To me, writing is central to everything we do and is the key to future success- no matter what you want to achieve in the future, it is guaranteed that writing will be an important part of that. Writing allows us to express ourselves- we can be creative, we can write to reflect our emotions, we can use it to tell people who we are. It unlocks each child’s true potential and allows them to express their understanding of every aspect of our curriculum, and indeed, our world. It is my passionate belief that by equipping our children with the ability to write, we give them the tools to succeed in life no matter what path they choose.
Curriculum Coverage
Handwriting
For support with handwriting at home, please refer to the document shared at parent consultation. Should you require a further copy, please email the school office. Please see below for support with letter formation.
| Name | Format | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Files | |||
| Capital letters.pdf | |||
| Lowercase letters.pdf | |||
Supporting at Home
Helping your child develop strong Writing and SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) skills at home can make a huge difference to their confidence and progress in school.
Below are some recommended websites and practical ideas you can use to support learning at home.
EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)
At this stage, the focus is on phonics, mark making, sentence building and early spelling.
Recommended Websites
PhonicsPlay
Interactive phonics games to practise blending and segmenting.
https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk
Teach Your Monster to Read
A fun, game-based phonics programme ideal for early readers and writers.
https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com
Oxford Owl for Home
Free eBooks, phonics support and simple writing activities.
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk
Twinkl Parent Hub
Printable writing frames, pencil control sheets and early sentence work.
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/parents
KS1 (Years 1–2)
Children begin writing longer sentences, using punctuation accurately and spelling common exception words.
SPaG Support
BBC Bitesize – KS1 English
Short videos and interactive grammar activities.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary
Topmarks English Games
Fun grammar and punctuation games.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/english-games
ICT Games (Literacy Section)
Engaging spelling and sentence-building games.
https://www.ictgames.com
Writing Development
Pobble 365
Daily picture prompts to inspire creative writing.
https://www.pobble365.com
The Literacy Shed
Short films and visual prompts to support storytelling.
https://www.literacyshed.com
KS2 (Years 3–6)
Children develop more complex grammar, varied sentence structures and detailed writing.
SPaG Practice
BBC Bitesize – KS2 English
Grammar explanations, quizzes and SATs-style practice.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary
Spelling Shed
Interactive spelling practice (often used in schools).
https://www.spellingshed.com
Grammar Monster
Clear explanations and printable grammar support.
https://www.grammar-monster.com
Writing & Composition
National Oak Academy
Free recorded English lessons and structured writing units.
https://www.thenational.academy
Hamilton Trust
High-quality writing units and grammar coverage.
https://www.hamilton-trust.org.uk
ReadTheory
Free comprehension practice to support writing skills.
https://www.readtheory.org
Easy Ways to Support Writing at Home
You don’t always need a website! Simple daily activities make a big difference:
- Keep a daily journal
- Write shopping lists together
- Send letters or emails to family
- Play “Improve the Sentence” games
- Practise a Word of the Day
- Encourage children to tell their story aloud first
- Spot punctuation and powerful vocabulary in books
A Reminder
Short, regular practice (10–15 minutes a day) is far more effective than long sessions. Keep it positive, celebrate effort and praise improvements!
