Writing about ‘my day at the zoo’ can help a child’s literacy

The results of an Education Endowment Foundation writing trial linked to memorable experiences were covered by Richard Garner in the Independent.

A school trip to the zoo could help a struggling pupil to learn how to read or write, according to a new report.

Schools which have adopted a programme tried out in the United States in the 1990s that focuses on getting children to write about memorable experiences in their lives have seen a remarkable improvement in literacy standards, it adds.

A survey of more than 800 primary and secondary school pupils showed it improved their writing standards by nine months on average – and 18 months for disadvantaged pupils on free school meals.

Under the programme, the children were asked to do things such as write a letter to the headteacher, explaining why an outing to their favourite place might be a good idea.

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Kevan Collins, chief executive of the Education Endowment Foundation, a charity set up by the Sutton Trust to break the link between family income and educational achievement – and publisher of the report – said: “We probably all remember being asked to write about an exciting day out. This project starts by giving all children access to an enjoyable experience and then uses a structured approach to writing and reviewing to significantly improve their skills.

“It’s rare to find schemes that demonstrate such a large impact when they are rigorously tested. That’s why we are excited about the potential this project could have in helping struggling students significantly improve their writing skills.”

Read the full article here.

The story was also covered in the Telegraph, Daily Mail, TES and by Press Association/MSN.

Click here to find out more about the four reports.