Planning Ideas Before Writing
Plan before writing by saying aloud or noting down what will be written, writing down ideas and key words, and encapsulating ideas sentence by sentence before composing
Suggested ages 6–10
Learning journey
Your child is learning to write for different purposes beyond stories — including opinions, explanations, and poetry — while developing planning skills, building writing stamina, and learning to revise and proofread their work.
Evidence of understanding
- Verbally rehearse sentences before writing them down
- Jot key words or ideas in a planning format (e.g., story map) before drafting
- Write a simple plan with beginning, middle, and end for a story
Assessment prompt
Before Planning Ideas Before Writing starts a piece of writing, do they spend a few minutes planning — jotting down ideas, key words, or a rough structure — rather than jumping straight into writing the first sentence?
Standards alignment
W.1.1
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 1
W.3.4
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 3
W.4.10
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · Grade 4
Develop initial ideas
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Plan writing
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Write down ideas
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Encapsulate ideas
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Plan writing: Discuss similar writing
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Plan writing: Discuss and record ideas
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2