Events by Talk4Writing

Writing non-fiction can often feel clinical or uninspiring for students. The "Talk4Writing: Raising Attainment in Non-Fiction" conference is specifically curated to change that narrative. This event shifts the focus from narrative storytelling to the rigorous world of information texts, persuasive writing, and instructions. By applying the "talk-based" approach to non-fiction, we help students develop the formal register and logical structure required for academic success. The conference kicks off with a keynote on the psychology of language acquisition, explaining why children must "say it before they can write it." We will then break into specialized sessions. The first session focuses on "Information Reports and Explanations," demonstrating how to use physical actions and visual cues to memorize complex connective phrases and technical vocabulary. You will see firsthand how the Talk for Writing approach makes the "academic voice" accessible to children of all ability levels. The afternoon focuses on "Persuasion and Discussion." Here, we explore how to use the framework to debate topics, build logical arguments, and use rhetorical devices effectively. Our facilitators will showcase recent case studies from schools across the UK that have seen a 20% increase in writing attainment after implementing these non-fiction strategies. A significant portion of the day is dedicated to "Feedback and Feed-forward." We will examine student work samples together, identifying how to provide targeted feedback that moves a child from a "Developing" to a "Greater Depth" writer within the Talk for Writing cycle. The University of Huddersfield’s state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect backdrop for this day of professional growth. You will depart not just with theoretical knowledge, but with a concrete plan to elevate non-fiction writing across your entire school or trust.

The Talk4Writing Primary Literacy Excellence Workshop is a comprehensive one-day intensive designed to empower educators with the tools needed to transform writing standards in their classrooms. This session delves deep into the three foundational pillars of the Talk for Writing methodology: Imitation, Innovation, and Independent Application. As a participant, you will explore how oral storytelling serves as the bedrock for written fluency. The day begins with the "Imitation" phase, where we will demonstrate how to help children internalize the structures and language patterns of high-quality texts through story mapping and multi-sensory techniques. You will learn how to create "story maps" that bridge the gap between spoken word and the blank page, a technique particularly effective for reluctant writers and EAL (English as an Additional Language) students. Moving into the "Innovation" phase, our expert facilitators will guide you through the process of "boxing up" texts. This allows students to take the structure of a known story or non-fiction piece and introduce their own creative variations. We will provide live demonstrations of shared writing, showing you how to model the thinking process of an author in real-time. Finally, the "Independent Application" section focuses on how to transition students toward high-quality, independent creative output where they can showcase their newfound linguistic stamina. Attendees will leave with a practical toolkit of warm-up games, linguistic "hooks," and assessment strategies that can be implemented the very next day. This event also offers a networking lunch, allowing you to connect with fellow literacy leads from across West Yorkshire to share success stories and troubleshoot common classroom challenges. Whether you are a newly qualified teacher or a seasoned department head, this workshop provides fresh, evidence-based perspectives on literacy instruction that prioritize engagement and student agency.