Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG)
Guide for Parents and Carers
What is SPaG?
SPaG stands for ‘spelling, punctuation and grammar’. While these principles have always formed the cornerstone of literacy, a renewed focus has emerged in recent years.
Why does SPaG matter?
SPaG matters from an assessment point of view but, more importantly, an ability to effectively use spelling, punctuation and grammar will enable your child to forge opportunities and express themselves.
Assessment: The new English grammar, punctuation and spelling test (informally known as the SPaG test) was introduced in May 2013 as part of the KS2 SATs programme for Year 6 pupils, replacing the previous English writing test.
Beyond assessment: Initial judgement is often based on a piece of writing. SPaG matters whether an individual is applying to be head boy or girl, completing a personal statement to go to university, seeking employment or complaining to the council about a noisy neighbour.
Section 1: Spelling
What are the expectations for my child?
The new National Curriculum sets high expectations regarding spelling for KS2 pupils. In addition to providing children with spelling strategies, we are also conducting weekly tests on a range of words selected from the ‘statutory word list’ (see hand-out).
What is happening at Gomer Junior School?
Gomer Junior School is currently implementing a range of new strategies to teach spelling: phonics (sound options); visualisation; mnemonics; rules; etymology; and dictionary skills. The reason for this range of strategies is that no child is alike and, furthermore, no single strategy will guarantee success.
What can I do to help my child succeed at spelling?
· Practice: Ensure that your child practises their spellings in preparation for their weekly spelling test (Monday). Little and often is recommended and praise is vital. Conduct your own tests at home prior to the school test.
· Reading: Read with your child on a regular basis; those who encounter words more frequently are more likely to visualise the correct spelling.
· Games: Play word games such as (Junior) Scrabble, Pass the Bomb or Boggle.
· Puzzles: Print out word searches and crosswords for your child. For a more modern approach, there is a free iPad/android app called Four Pics, One Word.
· Dictate: Put your child in charge of tasks by asking them to write lists that you spell out (shopping lists etc.)
Section 2: Punctuation and grammar
What are the expectations for my child?
Again, the new National Curriculum sets high expectations regarding punctuation and grammar for KS2 pupils. Although a clear path of progression has been established, certain terms transcend year groups. An awareness of these will aid an individual’s academic progress. A small sample is displayed on the opposite page.
What is happening at Gomer Junior School?
Punctuation and grammar is now being taught discretely at Gomer Junior School. This arrangement is in addition to regular input throughout the timetable and across the curriculum. Discrete lessons follow a structure that replicates phonics sessions experienced by your child in KS1: Recap; Explain; Write; Apply: Assess. While introducing a new piece of learning, teachers aim to further integrate previous learning.
Term / Explanation / Example(s)Verb / An action word. / Playing, disappearing.
Noun / A person, place or thing. / Bus, Jimmy, bravery.
Adjective / A word that describes a noun. / Magical, golden, colossal.
Adverb / A word that describes a verb. / Swiftly, courageously.
Connective / A word that links clauses. / And, but, however.
Clause / Words with a verb and subject pairing. / Although exhausted, Roger played football.
Phrase / Words without a verb and subject pairing. / Although exhausted, Roger played football.
Simple sentence / A sentence consisting of only one clause. / Mary told a joke.
Compound sentence / Two simple sentences joined by a connective. / Mary told a joke and Harry laughed.
Complex sentence / An independent clause and one dependent clause/phrase. / Mary told a joke while James hid.
What can I do to help my child succeed at punctuation and grammar?
In addition to helping your child successfully apply grammatical terminology, there are many fun games to explore:
· Silly sentence makers: Encourage your child to make up funny sentences which still make grammatical sense. Write a selection of subjects, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, connectives etc. on individual flashcards and get your child to compose crazy sentences, such as, ‘The hairy baby rode crazily to the crystal moon on a purple banana.’
· Get your sentences in order: For younger children, write the words of a simple sentence – such as, ‘A duck swims on the pond.’ – on individual slips of paper and get them to put the words into the correct order. Use more challenging sentences (complex, drop-ins, fronted adverbials etc.) for older children.
· Use online resources and games: There’s a wealth of interactive games that can make grammar fun. Try: The British Council’s grammar games, BBC Bitesize Grammar and Grammar Gorillas.
Writing: The wider context
SPaG is an essential component of becoming a skilled and effective writer. A skilled writer also has a command of a) text structure and organisation b) composition and effect. To view a range of levelled writing, access https://www.gov.uk/government/publications and search ‘writing exemplification’.
According to the government (Research Report DFE-RR096), the expected attainment for the majority of pupils at the end of KS2 is level 4. Nationally, 41% of KS2 leavers were adjudged to be level 5 or above (SFR34/2013).
To conclude
We are excited by our focus on SPaG and we hope that you share our view concerning the importance of the subject. We are fortunate that our cohort has extremely supportive parents and carers and, accordingly, we believe that encouraging the triangulation of education - between pupil, parent and school - is an essential mechanism in securing the educational well-being of our children. If you have any further questions regarding SPaG please do not hesitate to talk to a member of staff.
Produced by MWoolway @ Gomer Junior School