Writing

At our school, we want every child to develop a real love of books, reading and writing. Our English curriculum is designed to spark imagination, build confidence and immerse children in rich and exciting stories from the very beginning of their school journey.

The Literacy Tree

Across OBN, we use The Literacy Tree to place high-quality children’s literature at the heart of our English curriculum.

Children in Reception explore the same high-quality texts and stories, allowing them to become fully immersed in books, characters, language and storytelling. Learning is carefully adapted to reflect the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the way in which young children learn best.

Through these carefully chosen texts, our Reception children develop their love of books and stories while making connections across the EYFS areas of learning, particularly:

• Communication and Language

  • Listening, Attention and Understanding

  • Speaking

• Literacy

  • Comprehension

  • Word Reading

  • Writing

• Expressive Arts and Design

  • Creating with Materials

  • Being Imaginative and Expressive

Stories also provide meaningful opportunities to develop children's Personal, Social and Emotional Development, understanding of the world, vocabulary, creativity and imagination.

Children are encouraged to talk about stories, explore new vocabulary, retell familiar events, imagine what might happen next, take part in role play, draw their ideas and begin to communicate their thoughts through early writing. In this way, children are not simply listening to a story – they are immersed in its world.

This strong foundation helps our youngest children to see themselves as readers, storytellers and writers and prepares them for their transition into the National Curriculum.

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Progression Through the Curriculum

From Year 1 onwards, The Literacy Tree provides comprehensive coverage of the National Curriculum expectations for writing, including:

• Writing composition

• Grammar

• Punctuation

• Vocabulary

Each unit leads towards purposeful writing outcomes, giving children opportunities to apply their developing skills across a wide variety of genres, purposes and contexts.

Ash Class – Literacy Tree texts