Using Writing Journals in the Primary Classroom

This free one-hour recorded training session is designed for Primary teachers, Headteachers and English Leaders who want to make a measurable difference to pupils’ independent writing. Writing Journals (often known as Author’s Notebooks) are a highly effective, low-cost strategy for developing rich vocabulary, writerly habits and independence. When used well, they become a personal thesaurus that pupils return to again and again — strengthening writing across all genres. This session moves beyond theory to show how Writing Journals can be embedded as a meaningful, high-impact classroom practice rather than an added extra. What the session covers: - Why Writing Journals support stronger writing outcomes. - What effective Writing Journals look like in practice across different primary year groups. - How to explicitly teach pupils to notice, collect and revisit ambitious language. - Practical guidance on setting up Writing Journals for success from day one. - Strategies for ensuring vocabulary captured is transferred into independent writing. Participants will leave with clear, actionable guidance and practical ideas that can be implemented immediately, supporting pupils to write with greater confidence, richness and independence.