When Was the Last Time You Wrote Something by Hand?
Think about it—when was the last time you picked up a pen or pencil and wrote on paper? Maybe it was a shopping list, a Christmas card, or a quick post-it reminder. For many of us, those moments are becoming rare. Personally, I confess: I do my shopping online and jot lists in my phone’s notes app. Christmas cards? I skipped them this year, though I managed a few gift tags. Even reminders have gone digital—my phone is full of alarms with labels like “Don’t forget!” and “Seriously, do this now!”
As adults increasingly rely on technology, a question arises: When do children see real-life models of writing? How can we expect them to imitate and understand the purpose of writing if they rarely witness it in action?
The Challenge of Early Writing
For years, the Early Learning Goal for writing has been one of the toughest to achieve. Now, with the new Writing Framework and the updated OFSTED inspection toolkit, we’re navigating unfamiliar territory in early years education. One thing remains certain: teaching writing in the early years has always been a contentious topic.
At Education North Tyneside, we’re committed to supporting educators through this challenge. Our approach includes developing foundational knowledge grids that create sequential learning opportunities tailored to individual needs.
Join Us for Ambitious Reception Writing
We invite you to join our Ambitious Reception Writing sessions, where you’ll gain:
- Practical strategies for teaching writing effectively.
- Foundational knowledge grids to support progression.
- Insights into transcription and composition for early learners.
Session 1: 24/02/2026 | 16:00 - 17:00
Session 2: 10/03/2026 | 16:00 - 17:00
Session 3: 24/03/2026 | 16:00 - 17:00
Together, let’s ensure children not only learn to write but understand why writing matters in the real world.
