Year 4 Writing Journey
Throughout the year, pupils strengthen foundational knowledge and develop greater control of the writing process.
FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
- Use a wider range of conjunctions and expanded noun phrases.
- Use fronted adverbials and associated commas.
- Use paragraphs around a theme and punctuate direct speech accurately.
EXECUTIVE SKILLS
- Plan sections and record ideas.
- Monitor grammar, clarity and cohesion.
- Revise content and proofread accurately.
Set 1 books for 2026-2027
| Half term | Book title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Gorilla | Anthony Browne |
| Autumn 2 | Leon and the Place Between | Graham Baker-Smith |
| Spring 1 | Escape from Pompeii | Christina Balit |
| Spring 2 | Amazing Islands; Koji’s Island | Sabrina Weiss; The Literacy Company |
| Summer 1 | Where the Forest Meets the Sea; Jungle Explorer | Jeannie Baker; The Literacy Company |
| Summer 2 | Blue John | Berlie Doherty |
Journey through 2026-2027
AUTUMN
Establish and revisit
- Revisit accurate joins, spelling and sentence control.
- Analyse how model texts are organised.
- Plan writing in clear sections or paragraphs.
SPRING
Develop and connect
- Choose nouns and pronouns for clarity and cohesion.
- Develop narrative or non-fiction organisation.
- Revise vocabulary and grammar to improve consistency.
SUMMER
Apply and become independent
- Produce sustained, structured writing with controlled sentences.
- Use paragraphing, tense and punctuation consistently.
- Edit and proofread with reduced adult support.
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 explain the purpose of each paragraph and to reread for repeated words, tense consistency and punctuation.
Year 4 Writing Journey
