What does early writing at Newlyn look like?

Early writing in the foundation stage (ages 2-5) is crucial because it builds fundamental literacy, communication, and physical skills, fostering confidence, creativity, and critical thinking, laying the groundwork for future academic success and self-expression by connecting spoken language to written symbols, developing fine motor control, and understanding writing's purpose. It's not just about letters; it's about mark-making, understanding meaning, and growing as a communicator. 

At Newlyn, we use Drawing Club, an innovative and joyful approach to literacy created by educational expert Greg Bottrill. It is designed to help children fall in love with stories, words, and the "magic" of picking up a pencil.

What is Drawing Club?

Drawing Club is a daily immersive experience that turns literacy into an adventure. Each week, we use a "portal" to enter a new world—this could be a classic traditional tale (like The Three Little Pigs), a high-quality picture book, or even a quirky old cartoon.

The sessions are built around the "3Ms":

• Making Conversation: Expanding vocabulary and sharing ideas.

• Mark-Making: Developing the physical skills needed for writing.

• Mathematics: Exploring shapes, sizes, and counting through art.

Why do we use it in Reception?

Traditional writing can sometimes feel daunting for four and five-year-olds. Drawing Club removes that pressure by making writing a "secret code" or a "magic spell."

• Vocabulary "Snuggling": We introduce six "delicious" new words each week, complete with actions, to help children build a rich internal library of language.

• The Magic Button: Children add "magic button" to their drawings. To make the magic work, they must write a "secret code"—which might be a single letter they've just learned in Phonics, a word, or eventually a full sentence.

• Adventure Time: We don’t just retell the story; we change it! We ask "What if?" to spark imagination—what if the giant had a jetpack? What if the bridge was made of chocolate?

Benefits for Parents and Carers

• Boosts Confidence: It turns "I can't write" into "I can make magic happen." Children who are reluctant to hold a pencil often thrive because the focus is on creativity, not just neatness.

• Supports Phonics: It provides a real-world purpose for the sounds they learn in their Phonics lessons, helping them see why learning to write is useful and fun.

• Language Development: You’ll likely hear your child using "fancy" new words at home! This helps bridge the gap between their spoken language and their eventual writing ability.

• A Window into Their World: Drawing Club helps children share their unique thoughts and "imagined worlds" with you, giving you a wonderful starting point for conversations about their school day.