Talk for Writing across the Curriculum with DVD: How to teach non-fiction writing 5-12 years Paperback – 1 Nov. 2011

I am an NQT in KS2. I have found the advice, examples, DVD and other resources all work extremely well together. I have used this book in literacy to teach recounts and in science and Maths to teach the writing of instructions. Although this book is designed to teach non-fiction writing I have also used the advice to teach narrative units.This approach is extremely inclusive as you learn how to give all children a firm, shared experience, before starting to write. Children work cooperatively and collaboratively in the early stages. Learning is scaffolded without removing independence or spoon feeding.I no longer search for the perfect writing / planning frame but use the same basic style for everything which match my marking / assessment ladders / success criteria (whatever you like to call them). Everything feels so much more streamlined. It makes my planning and children's self assessment easier.Following the advice in this book my children have never said to me they don't understand what the expectations are, they are able to review and edit their own and others work - and most importantly they enjoy it. ( I was cautious at first as I didn't have anything written in their books but Ofsted came last week and liked what they saw in the books - it's worth the wait!)

Yet again Pie has developed an approach to teaching and learning that delights the wordsmith. Moving the focus from scoring points and ticking boxes into the joy of creating texts.I love the fact that in the DVD he alludes to the failure of APP to address, what should surely have been the point, the progress.I spent many frustrating hours asking the question what about the progress? I was given no guidance on moving children forward. A complete waste of public money. As he says we dont need endless days spent pouring over APP grids. It is simple, read childrens work and work out what they need to do next! In this book we are given clear guidelines. I am looking forward to introducing my school to this.Well done Pie (and Julia).Update I have introduced this in my school and so far the results are great the children are loving the approach and we can see real progress.

I bought this book at a time of slight panic about my end of year Year 2 writing levels, and hoped it would give me the inspiration to boost my class when they really needed it.It worked! This book is full of great advice and examples of how to teach different non-fiction genres to children. The DVD compliments the book well and also has PDFs to use in the classroom.I was quite dubious at the start of using Pie's method of rehearsing a text over and over and just hoped that by the end it would be worth it. By the end of a 4 week stint, my class wrote their best writing of the year and I had thoroughly enjoyed teaching every lesson.Brilliant resource!

I bought thid because so many people are talking about it. i have read alot of it and find it intresting, there is alot to take in though, but a good book overall.

You know when you've been over it and over it and you still don't get what you want from the children? Here's your solution. Buy this book. Watch the DVD and read the book. This is clear, motivating help for all primary teachers. I wish I'd had it years ago. Superb - just going back to start the new year and I feel like I've finally got something that will work. And what a bargain price too!

My school had one copy of this so I bought my own and what a sound investment it has been. It has examples of different genres of writing and is best for non-fiction. Some ideas are great - others I have adapted. Good if you're new to talk for writing and you work in a classroom. It has worked examples of story maps, lots of great warm up games and ideas to enthuse your class!

After seeing Pie demonstrating Talk for Writing, buying the book was a must. Each text type is covered from start to finish with suggestions and techniques for teaching. The book is invaluable as a planning aid; is a springboard for ideas and comes with visual support for those who need to see it working. I really recommend this for people who need fresh ideas for literacy in the classroom.

Pie Corbett's methods make such a difference to teaching and learning in Literacy. This book is easy to read and the DVD is great if you havent had the opportunity for CPD on Talk across the curriculum. Ive already lent my copy to another teacher, her lesson last week was graded good with outstanding features. Well worth a read.