Writing and Play based Learning

Today we started a focus on incorporating play based learning into our writing. Our goals for this are to: 

1. Increase engagement and achievement for all learners and in particular our target students. 

2. Provide an opportunity for students to discuss and role play ideas creativity before they draw and write. 

3. To decrease negative behaviour and attitudes towards writing. 

Students were provided 3 rotation activities and 1 workshop that was choosen by the Teacher. 

Activities were set up before the students arrived and it was interesting to see several of the target students came to play with the farm animals and equipment. Many asked 'when can we do this activity?'

During mixed ability workshops students 

choose a Disney character sticker added their own background and then described their character's physical attributes and actions. The target students who are often very reluctant to write were more engaged and happily shared their ideas in the supportive group setting. 

The other options were to design, draw and write about a Lego creation:

Also a focus on onamatopeia and rainbow writing: 

Using the mixed ability groups allowed children to support each other during workshops. They were far less dependant on the teacher and there were no interruptions during workshops. Student also enjoyed role playing with the farm animals and equipment when they had finished writing. It was fantastic listening to the conversations and discussions as the students played. 

We are looking forward to setting up our writing rotations for the remaining 5 weeks of Term 2. Watch this space!