Word level work

The fantastic Learning Pod pupils have a great routine for word level work, which we like to do before before we embark any any major piece of writing. We look an examples of writing together and talk about the vocabulary being used and how the writer is using it to create different effects. We then think about the effects we wish to create in our writing and the vocab areas that need enriching.
The iPods are great from this point forwards because they allow every pupil to move easily between the dictionary and the thesaurus in search of words that will make their writing special. We have used free dictionaries but have finally settled for Chambers dictionary and thesaurus Apps which cost, but are well worth it. Pupils have learnt how to copy and paste from the Apps straight into pages to make a vocabulary poster. They are now familiar with the difference between a definition and synonym and they are slowly developing more refined skills in selecting the most appropriate words.
We are currently compiling an anthology of our best spooky writing from our Halloween project. This includes, non-fiction reports, RE work on the Mexican Day of the Dead, descriptive writing, narrative writing and list poems. Alongside these different texts pupils are presenting their vocabulary posters, which they have carefully constructed to be visually stunning and rich in WOW words.