There is nothing worse than reading a child’s writing which shoe horns in as many GPS as techniques as possible. Boxes for technical features are ticked, at the expense of creative and exciting writing. As educators we must show children that they have the choice over how they use Grammar and Punctuation, but in order to do that, they need a firm grasp of the rules.
How do we make the dull technical aspects of writing come to life?
If we are honest, teaching GPS can be a bit of a grind; learning it even more so. The dilemma is this: you want to motivate and inspire your children to be great writers, but you have got to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum – how do you do both?
It is not enough to churn through dull worksheets – soul destroying for pupils and teachers alike. Putting the technical aspects in writing takes hard work and skill – skill which is only acquired with practice.
Yes, the rules still have to be taught, but put these in the context of your class book and writing for purpose and your pupils can start to make sense of them. Here are a few ideas:
- look at how skilled authors use GPS using text interrogation techniques;
- model writing a paragraph using the rules in a relevant context;
- shared writing using a realistic context;
- paired writing – working together in a supportive environment;
- short realistic and relevant writing challenges.
Referring back to technique, after the initial teaching, will help children to understand that GPS is a toolkit they can use to make their writing interesting; easy to understand but most of all creative.
KS2Gems provides a range of teaching PowePoints for each NC objective for each year group. The first part of the PowerPoint explains the rules and gives short activities to rehearse the rules. The second part contains a range of reading and writing activities that give context for the grammar or punctuation. Teachers can use these as they wish to meet the needs of their class.
Come on! We can do this!
