Frequently Asked Questions
What is i-learn: writing ?
i-learn: writing is a resource for teaching children to write non-fiction texts. It aims to encourage children to approach texts in a ‘writerly’ way through reading, speaking and listening, and shared and independent writing. i-learn: writing also gives teachers the flexibility to import and create their own materials, as well as editing those that are already in the product.
How will i-learn: writing fit in with i-read?
i-learn: writing is designed to build on the success of i-read by extending the Pie Corbett approach to writing.
Is Pie Corbett involved?
Yes. He is the series editor and has influenced the development of the product from its earliest days. His ‘talking the text type’ approach is one of the product’s key features, as is his idea of ‘reading as a writer’.
What is ‘talking the text type’?
In ‘talking the text type’, children hear the text type, then rehearse it orally, then have a go at writing. This helps them to internalise the language structures and other features of the text. Example: children give each other instructions in a role play before sitting down to write.
What is ‘reading as a writer’?
When children ‘read as a writer’ they are really ‘getting under the car bonnet’ and discovering what it means to write a particular text type. How do writers talk to their readers? How do they achieve the results they want? What ‘special effects’ are they using?
How will i-learn: writing support the new Framework?
i-learn: writing will be the first major writing product developed since the new framework. The non-fiction text types covered are taken from the planning suggestions on the framework website.
How much speaking and listening is there?
As with all Cambridge products, i-learn: writing provides opportunities for speaking and listening throughout – from ‘talking the text type’ through to drama games to give children confidence in their ideas.
What is the teaching sequence?
The teaching materials suggest a nine-part teaching and learning process for each unit:
- Model Texts
- Reading as a Writer
- Talking the Text Type
- Writing Games
- Stimulus and Shared Planning
- Demonstration and Shared Writing
- Editing
- Independent Planning and Writing
- Publishing
However, the teaching sequence is designed to be flexible. Teachers can ‘dip in’ to different areas as they wish – for example, just using the model texts, or just using the examples in the publishing focus.
How long does an i-learn: writing unit last?
Units are designed to be flexible in line with the approach suggested in the new framework. No suggested teaching times are given, and the teacher support takes the form of teaching ideas rather than strict lesson plans. This means teachers can fit i-learn: writing around their own planning and teaching style.
How does i-learn: writing help me to meet the needs of my mixed-ability class?
Each unit contains two model texts at different reading levels. Additionally, the on-screen texts can be edited ahead of a lesson to meet the needs of a specific class. All texts are available as Word documents and can be edited and printed out for children who need more or less challenge. The teacher’s notes for each unit provide ideas for differentiation.
How can it help with assessment?
i-learn: writing includes banks of children’s work, and provides teachers with the ability to import children’s work into the CD for comment.
What is the outcome?
i-learn: writing is designed to take a class through the whole process from reading and ‘talk for writing’ through to independent writing.