When pupils struggle with writing, time is often the missing piece. Time to plan; time to think aloud; time to rehearse, redraft and improve.
Without it, even strong teaching loses impact. Lessons feel rushed, and it's hard to see what's actually being learned.
Why time matters
Writing is one of the most demanding tasks in the curriculum. Pupils are asked to:
- coordinate ideas, grammar, vocabulary and structure
- manage handwriting and spelling fluently
- remember prior learning
- apply it with control and awareness of audience
If time is squeezed, these processes collapse. Quantity goes up. Quality goes down.
Cognitive Load Theory reminds us: when working memory is overwhelmed, learning doesn't stick. Writing becomes performance, not development.
That's why the DfE's Writing Framework makes it clear: "Writing is a process, not just a product." "Pupils need time to plan, draft, edit and redraft."
Yet planning and redrafting are often the first things cut when timetables get tight. Pupils move on too quickly, missing chances to rehearse, refine and really embed key skills.
7 ways to give pupils the time they need
Here are seven practical shifts you can build into your routines to strengthen writing fluency...
1. Make sentence rehearsal routine
Before pupils begin a piece, give them time to shape sentences aloud. Simple prompts like "Say it three ways" or quick partner shares reduce cognitive load, boost confidence and help teachers catch misconceptions early.
2. Use short bursts as well as extended tasks
Don't always build towards long pieces. Regular 5-10 minute writing bursts – a descriptive paragraph, a short dialogue – allow pupils to focus on one element at a time, embed skills and benefit from sharper modelling and feedback.
3. Embed purposeful redrafting
Redrafting isn't copying up. Frame it with intention: "Improve paragraph openings for clarity" or "Tighten this sentence to cut repetition." Over time, pupils see redrafting as craft, not correction.
4. Keep objectives tight
Broad tasks like "write a newspaper report" can overwhelm. Narrow the focus – "use passive voice for objectivity" or "organise paragraphs chronologically with cohesive devices." Clear learning objectives make modelling sharper, feedback easier and progress more visible.
5. Give feedback during writing
End-of-task feedback often comes too late. Pause mid-writing for live marking, conferencing or whole-class input so pupils can reflect, adapt and improve in real time.
6. Separate ideas from transcription
Plan, organise and rehearse ideas before starting your writing. Tools like story maps, oral rehearsal or shared planning free up working memory, making composition smoother and teaching more responsive.
7. Revisit key skills deliberately
Strong writing routines return to core skills repeatedly. Make time to practise sentence control, punctuation for effect or paragraph structure across units. Spaced practice secures mastery and transfers learning into new contexts.
How we can help
At Leading English, we work with schools to:
- embed sustainable writing routines
- build progression through grammar, vocabulary and sentence control
- align curriculum design with national expectations
- use pupil voice strategically to drive improvement
