Year 1 Writing Journey
Throughout the year, pupils strengthen foundational knowledge and develop greater control of the writing process.
FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
- Use taught phonics and common exception words.
- Combine words into sentences and leave spaces.
- Use capital letters and sentence-ending punctuation.
EXECUTIVE SKILLS
- Say aloud what will be written.
- Compose a sentence orally before writing.
- Reread to check that writing makes sense.
Set 1 books for 2026-2027
| Half term | Book title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Lost and Found | Oliver Jeffers |
| Autumn 2 | Nibbles: The Book Monster | Emma Yarlett |
| Spring 1 | The Lion Inside | Rachel Bright |
| Spring 2 | The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth | Ellie Hattie |
| Summer 1 | Toys in Space | Mini Grey |
| Summer 2 | Goldilocks and Just the One Bear | Leigh Hodgkinson |
Journey through 2026-2027
AUTUMN
Establish and revisit
- Re-establish accurate letter formation, spacing and sentence routines.
- Write simple sentences using taught phonics.
- Use Talk Before You Write to rehearse a complete sentence.
SPRING
Develop and connect
- Join words and clauses, including with “and”.
- Add simple description and use taught suffixes or prefixes.
- Sequence sentences to form short narratives.
SUMMER
Apply and become independent
- Write a short sequence of clear, punctuated sentences.
- Discuss writing and make a supported correction or improvement.
- Read writing aloud clearly to a familiar audience.
What families may notice
Across the year, writing should become more accurate, sustained and independent. Children should increasingly be able to explain what they are learning, talk through ideas before writing, use taught knowledge in new contexts and improve their work after rereading.
How families can help
Ask your child to speak the whole sentence first, then reread it to check spaces, capital letters and end punctuation.
Year 1 Writing Journey
