Primary School
If we can dream it ... we can do it!What is Big Write?
Big writing is a way of teaching writing, based on the research of Ros Wilson. Big Writing focuses on four main aspects of the writing process (VCOP) and gives the children the skills to improve their writing through self-assessment.
What does VCOP stand for?
V- is for vocabulary (ambitious ‘WOW’ words) and children are encouraged to widen their use of language to make their writing richer. In the classroom, new and expressive words are collected and shared.
C - is for connectives (joining words) such as and, because, so, besides, although, however, but etc. This makes writing more cohesive and interesting.
O - s for openers (opening your sentences in a variety of ways). Varying the way you open sentences makes them more engaging to read. There are three main ways of opening sentences – using connectives and words ending in ‘ly’ and ing’. Another way includes starting a sentence with a word ending in ‘ed’.
P - is for punctuation – correctly using punctuation appropriate for age or level. Children are taught the names of the different punctuation and they learn how to use them to ‘up level’ their writing.
Here are some ways in which you can help your child at home with their writing: