Is writing important?
 All
children are assessed on the standard of their writing. For some children,
assessment is only obvious when tests are taking place in school e.g.
SATS or 11+ tests. However, writing is an integral part of most subjects
in school. A child, who has developed advanced, higher level writing
skills will always communicate their thoughts effectively and with
impact. It is in every child's interest to improve their writing skills
because it can cause improvement in most school subjects.
Top of page
Why do we have a Writing Club?
Writing
skills are developed throughout a child's life and improvement can
be prompted by a variety of measures. Every parent knows that children
should read, but which books are suitable and what benefits should
they actually derive from their reading? All parents help their children
with writing assignments but what should a parent actually be looking
for? Some children are reluctant readers and these same children are
often reluctant writers. Once a child begins to improve their skills
they will write more confidently and often more willingly. The Swot
Shop Writing Club is designed to address many of the difficulties faced
by parents and children when trying to improve writing skills.
Top of page What will children do at the Writing Club?
The
Writing Club is a regular writing session which is designed to
improve all pupils' writing level. The curriculum includes a combination
of fun writing activities, regular and varied content and necessary technical
skills. All Writing Club pupils will benefit from:
- Fantastic writing tasks from the
unique Write Swot programme
every month.
- Taught sessions on story planning techniques, characterisation, scene
setting, event sequencing, word choices and multi-sensory inputs.
- Monthly special writing assignments that include letter writing, report
writing, diary keeping, brochures, newspaper articles.
- Library facilities with advice on appropriate reading
levels.
- Homework with a system of rewards and prizes which encourage and motivate.
- Regular handwriting sessions with teacher, feedback and guidance
Top of page Who will run the Writing Club?
In
our Writing Club, we will use qualified teachers with the specialist
knowledge to teach children to write well. Well-trained Literacy Assistants
will support the teachers. At Swot Shop, we have over 10 years of experience
teaching creative writing to children outside school. We have run creative
writing courses using a wide variety of formats and all this experience
has contributed to the Writing Club materials and methods.
Top of page How quickly will my child improve?
All
parents should be aware that advanced writing skills are often a result
of doing the right things over many years. There are no quick solutions
to the challenges of improving writing ability. We hope that once a child
and parent experience the Writing Club, it will be regarded as an effective
long-term supplement to any school or home-based literacy development work.
Regular writing practice combined with a framework of support, encouragement
and fun will benefit all children. A child who writes well will find they
develop confidence in a wide range of school subjects.
Top of page How can my child join the Writing Club?
The
Writing Club is open to children aged between 6 and 12 years old. If a
child wants to join the Writing Club, we must first check if our writing
programme will improve their writing skills. In order to do this we will
test the child's reading. This is a very simple process and can be completed
in Swot Shop. If we feel that your child would benefit from our Writing
Club, and we have a space, your child can start at any time. Fees are normally
paid every 6 weeks but a bonus week is added free of charge if you wish
to book and pay for 12 weeks fees in one transaction. |
