With raising standards in writing often at the forefront of many discussions in education, new resources designed to help children become more confident writers are always welcome.
This book has several sections in different genres with each section having a lesson plan, exemplar text and practice in writing skills.
However, this is not a book with all the planning for a complete scheme of lessons. The book recommends using its lesson plans as part of early work in the genre, with the children then going on to create a written piece. This may be better used after further lessons adding depth and clarity to children’s understanding.
The ideas for applying “practice in writing skills” are good and could be lifted and applied in a more exciting way.
There are good scaffolds for independent writing, providing key information to encourage independent thought for children. The self-assessment sections of this book are excellent, giving opportunities for children to self-assess against success criteria and review their work.
Overall, the book provides a range of good ideas and effective, simple strategies for developing children’s writing, with particular strengths in planning opportunities for children to talk things through, discuss and self-review. Review: Vicky Cook
Active Writers: Year 3 by Eileen Jones
Price: £28.99
ISBN: 9781907515682
Publisher: www.hopscotchbooks.com