Writing is not just a skill; it’s a way for children to make sense of their world. Learners who struggle with writing may feel disempowered, leading to a diminished sense of agency and self-esteem. Conversely, improving student writing skills empowers students to express their thoughts with clarity and confidence.
For educators, teaching writing is both deeply rewarding and inherently challenging. Helping young writers develop essential skills demands thoughtful strategies that foster encouragement and provide structured pathways to growth and success.
Professional development courses such as the How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar course, enable teachers to rethink writing instruction. In this blog, we share feedback from course participants and actionable strategies to level up your writing lessons.
Why is the How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar course recommended by teachers across New Zealand for improving student writing skills?
How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar equips teachers with practical, actionable strategies for improving student writing skills. It breaks down complex concepts into manageable parts, making it easier for educators to implement and for students to understand.
The course includes five modules totaling approximately three and a half hours of content. It is presented by subject experts Dr Helen Walls (The Writing Teacher) and Dr Christine Braid. Their teaching approach moves away from rote memorisation, emphasising the importance of teaching spelling patterns and rules. Drawing on years of experience, they share tried and tested methods for supporting handwriting, spelling, vocabulary, sentence structure and composition.
Educators also noted that the course complements existing literacy frameworks like the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) and phonics programs. This helps to create a cohesive and well-rounded approach to literacy instruction.
Fast feedback: Reduces overwhelm, builds confidence
For many young learners, writing can feel daunting. The blank page can induce panic and too much feedback at once can overwhelm rather than encourage.
Several How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar participants praised the Fast Feedback system. Many planned to implement it in their classrooms, having found it beneficial for providing immediate and actionable feedback to students.
Goal setting for literacy outcomes needn’t be intimidating. Focusing on a single area of improvement gives young writers a sense of success. Over time, these small wins build confidence and motivation, making writing a more positive and rewarding experience.
One teacher reflected on the impact of this approach:
“After reading the book [How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar], I started fast feedback and having only one goal. This is working so well. Too many goals are overwhelming for both my little learners and me.”
For more information about the How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar book, check out Professor James Chapman’s review.
How does focusing on spelling, handwriting and explicit instruction enhance learning?
Handwriting plays a vital role in a child’s ability to express ideas confidently. Confidence in handwriting affords children the brain space to focus on their content rather than how to form letters.
For teachers who have previously felt uncertain about how to approach handwriting, structured strategies provide clarity. One educator who completed the course shared, “Previously, I avoided addressing handwriting as I was unsure how to teach it effectively. Now I know what to do.”
Daily handwriting practice, paired with explicit instruction, helps students develop fluency. Over time, this fluency supports other areas crucial to improving student writing skills, from spelling to sentence construction.
Spelling and handwriting programs can play a vital role in boosting writing confidence in students. The How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar course offers teachers actionable strategies for teaching essential writing skills like handwriting.
One teacher who completed the course shared, “I have a lot of writers that lack confidence with their writing. I think the strategies shown in this workshop will be excellent to apply in my lessons with them.”
Spelling instruction: Patterns, not memorisation
Spelling can be a sticky point for many young writers. When students rely solely on memorisation, they often struggle to apply their knowledge in new contexts. Effective spelling instruction identifies patterns and rules to help learners understand why words are spelled the way they are.
Structured spelling programs offer strategies that move beyond rote learning, encouraging students to notice and apply patterns. Teachers have found this approach particularly beneficial for learners needing additional support. One educator who completed the How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar course remarked:
“I will run a weekly spelling program that goes beyond memorising high frequency words and focuses on unpacking spelling rules. This approach is particularly beneficial for my ESOL learners, who often rely on rote memorisation. By teaching them the ‘why’ behind spelling, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of language, improving their reading and writing skills.”
By building spelling skills systematically, students develop a toolkit they can use as they write, reducing frustration and increasing independence. Reflecting on the impact of the How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar course, one educator said, “I feel more confident and prepared to support my students in developing their writing skills and achieving success as writers.”
Explicit instruction: Make writing transparent
For many young learners, the writing process can feel mysterious – something they’re expected to figure out without fully understanding. Explicit instruction demystifies writing by showing students exactly how it works.
Teachers model sentence construction, punctuation and structure step by step, breaking writing into manageable parts. When writing is taught explicitly, students are more likely to engage with the process, ask questions, and experiment with their ideas.
The How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar course gives teachers clear frameworks for students to follow and replicate. One participant shared:
“I now plan to be more explicit in my teaching of writing tasks, making sure to clearly unpack sentence structure and spelling rules.”
Conclusion: Improving student writing skills is easy
The How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar course empowers educators, equipping them with strategies for improving student writing skills.
Participant feedback shows that small changes in teaching practices can have a lasting impact on primary learners’ literacy skills. By incorporating strategies like fast feedback, structured handwriting and explicit instruction, teachers are seeing marked changes in students’ attitudes to writing.
Unlock your potential as a writing instructor with the How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar online course! Designed for primary school and training teachers, this course provides the tools to transform your students into skilled, confident writers.
Course highlights
- Five self-paced modules with over 3 hours of video presentations
- Support book included to reinforce key concepts
- Practical strategies for teaching handwriting, spelling, vocabulary, sentence structure, and composition
- Certificate of completion for professional development
Sign up today!
- Individual subscription: $250 + GST
- Team subscription (up to 6 teachers): $750 + GST
- Access for 12 months
Whether you’re looking to refresh your teaching or explore new strategies, this course is perfect for enhancing writing instruction skills. Enrol today and take your teaching to the next level!
Looking to grow your knowledge in writing instruction? Our website features a range of literacy teaching resources for New Zealand primary teachers. Plus, explore our full collection of online New Zealand teacher training courses.