Thought Sacks
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Pupils do not improve writing solely by doing more of it; good quality writing benefits from focused discussion that gives pupils a chance to talk through ideas before writing and to respond to friends’ suggestions.
Ofsted: English 2000-05 A review of inspection evidence
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Thought Sacks were developed from our experience of delivering various projects which demanded fun and imaginative methods of supporting creative writing in primary schools.
Thought Sacks encourage and engage children to become more expressive in their speech and writing. When used in conjunction with our specific exercises they become a resource that can be easily adopted in the classroom to assist teachers in developing children’s imagination and writing skills. Each sack has a different focus and can be used in isolation or in conjunction with the others.
Thought Sacks offer teachers a practical way of engaging a whole class in writing activities and group tasks which give children a sense of control and ownership of their ideas as they enable them to choose words, put them into context and make decisions about them. This ownership forms a sound basis for work as a whole class where all ideas and contributions are valued and improves self belief and confidence.
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As a teacher it was so encouraging to see the children totally engaged and hear the vocabulary and descriptive language that these sessions evoke being used. I have noticed an improvement through the children’s writing and willingness to have a go. They are less fearful of using descriptive language and making a story up independently.
Year 1 Teacher, Long Buckby Infant School
We also offer Staff training in the use of our Thought Sacks - see our Training Page.
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Millbrook Infant School
Project aims:
To provide opportunities for children to gain confidence in speaking through questioning and exploring ideas.
To explore listening, enabling the children to realise its importance and application.
To inspire staff through the continued dissemination of: key skills; techniques; ideas and learning taking place; opportunities to observe.
A safe environment where there were no wrong answers was established which enabled the children to feel confident that they could articulate their own ideas. ALL children gave their ideas, we ensured that time and space allowed for this to happen.
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The session with Catalyst was a really special and unique experience. The class were enthralled - I have never seen them focussed so intently on an activity for such a period of time! The children responded with exciting and creative ideas and all adults involved were inspired to use the techniques demonstrated by Catalyst.
Art Coordinator, Millbrook Infant School
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Downs Barn First School
Listen to the story 'Oliver's Magical Shoes' that Year 2 created using Thought Sacks by clicking on the photograph.
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