More Able Writers

We keep parents well informed of pupil attainment through our regular reports and through the Arbor App.  We even may send a text to remind you that you have a talented writer!

Many children are working at "Just Above" and "Above expected," which is great news, however we are keen that you support our more able writers with their special talents at home!

Working together with the teaching team we can all have greater success in enabling our children to do their best and attain highly.

Don't forget that talented writers soak up ideas from their own reading.

There are some good steps to take at home to support talented writers:

• Foster a Love of Reading

  • Provide a rich reading environment with a variety of genres and styles (fiction, poetry, biographies, myths, non-fiction).  Use our 5 plagues guide below to see age-appropriate books.  Good readers make good writers!

  • Include classics and contemporary works, and stories with strong, imaginative language or complex characters.

  • Visit libraries and bookshops regularly, letting your child choose books that excite them.

  Encourage Regular Writing

  • Create a writing routine – a quiet time each week for stories, poems, or even comic strips.

  • Provide notebooks or a personal journal for free writing.  Children love little books and pens, lots of different colours, gel pens etc.

  • Celebrate all writing, not just the polished pieces—ideas and effort matter just as much as spelling and grammar.

  Offer Meaningful Writing Opportunities

  • Suggest entering children’s writing competitions (many are age-appropriate and offer feedback).

  • Encourage writing for real audiences, e.g.:

    • Letters to grandparents or pen pals

    • Thank-you notes or cards

    • Short pieces for the school, we are always happy to read your child's stories and magazines.

  Talk About Writing

  • Ask open-ended questions like:

    • “What do you want your reader to feel here?”

    • “Why did you choose that character’s name?”

  • Encourage editing by discussing how an idea could be expanded or phrased differently without criticising the child’s original work.

  Inspire Creativity in Different Ways

  • Use story prompts, story dice, or picture books to spark ideas.

  • Try drama activities or role-play to explore character development.

  • Support their interest in song lyrics, scripts, jokes, or rhymes – all are valuable writing forms.

  Use Technology Wisely

  • Encourage typing stories on a computer or tablet for a professional feel.

  • Introduce child-safe storytelling platforms (like Storybird, Book Creator, or Toontastic).

  • Let them use audio apps to record or narrate their stories aloud.

  Model a Writing-Rich Life

  • Let them see you writing—lists, notes, letters, diaries.

  • Share stories you loved as a child and talk about why they stayed with you.

  Work with the School

  • Communicate with the teacher about your child’s strengths.

  • Ask how you can complement classroom learning at home without overlapping or creating pressure.

  • Chat with your child's classteacher at the parent teacher meetings and be clear on next steps.

Good writers read a lot so make sure to visit our library, you can find it online here.  AS your child's read they will pick up ideas for writing from the text.

School Library

Junior Book Awards

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