The National Curriculum Programme of Study 2014 states:

“The grammar of our first language is learnt naturally and implicitly through interactions with other speakers and from reading. Explicit knowledge of grammar is, however, very important, as it gives us more conscious control and choice in our language. Building this knowledge is best achieved through a focus on grammar within the teaching of reading, writing and speaking.” pg 74

How will spelling, grammar and punctuation be taught?

Spelling, grammar and punctuation will be taught throughout the school every day. The learning should be embedded within daily teaching of a specific genre. Grammar will be taught as a discrete subject and teachers will identify opportunities for the children to consolidate their understanding. Children will receive weekly spellings and complete spelling activities on a daily basis before registration and have the opportunity to practice at home.

Vocabulary

Opportunities for teachers to enhance pupils’ vocabulary arise naturally from their reading and writing. As vocabulary increases, teachers show pupils how to understand the relationships between words, how to understand nuances in meaning, and how to develop their understanding of, and ability to use figurative language. They should also teach pupils how to work out and clarify the meanings of unknown words and words with more than one meaning.

Throughout the programmes of study, teachers teach pupils the vocabulary they need to discuss their reading, writing and spoken language. It is important that pupils learn the correct grammatical terms in English and that these terms are integrated within teaching.

Plan, draft, write, edit and improve 

Once children have completed a planning sheet and first draft, they should be given the opportunity to edit their work by identifying ways in which they can improve their written content. Children should then edit their writing correcting spellings, grammar and punctuation. Once the first draft has been revised and edited, a second draft (best copy) should be written.