Unlocking literacy: making materials more accessible and boosting writing skills in the classroom

Matt Beighton is a children’s author and educator, known for his ‘Pick Your Path’ adventure books and popular series ‘The Shadowland Chronicles’ and ‘The Monstacademy Mysteries’. In addition to his writing, Matt is passionate about education and frequently visits schools, running creative workshops and offering advice to teachers. In this blog, he shares insights and practical tips to help teachers improve pupil writing skills by providing access to the right model texts and shares his experiences of using ATOS.

Using the ATOS Analyser with other Renaissance tools, such as Accelerated Reader, myON and Star Reading, can further improve pupils’ learning. These tools can reduce teacher workload while helping to unlock every pupil’s full potential in reading and literacy. The tools can be used to address all assessment, teaching, practice and data needs, tailoring learning to each student’s individual requirements. The ATOS library also offers a huge variety of book recommendations, helping teachers create diverse reading lists that match pupils’ interests and abilities. 

Finding the right model texts can make a huge difference in the classroom. These exemplar texts provide clear examples of structure and technique for pupils to learn from and adapt their own literacy skills. However, the challenge lies in selecting texts that are appropriately levelled and engaging, especially with the time constraints teachers face.  

Model texts are key for demonstrating different writing techniques and styles across reading levels. They provide pupils with examples of good writing and expand the range of materials they are exposed to, helping them develop their own skills. However, selecting the right model texts is crucial for their effectiveness. Texts that are too challenging or too easy can disengage pupils and slow their progress. You might find an interesting piece of writing about the Romans, but the literary techniques it uses may be inaccessible to a Year 5 class.  

If existing texts are not at the appropriate level, you can adjust them by simplifying vocabulary and sentence structure. Breaking long sentences into shorter ones and adding context can make texts easier to read and understand. If a topic resonates with pupils, they may handle higher-level vocabulary more effectively. 

Sometimes, the fastest solution is creating custom content that fits pupils’ needs. Teachers do not need to worry about writing literary masterpieces; the goal is to be clear about the desired learning outcomes and write accordingly. What is important is to make texts that work for all pupils. For example, pupils may struggle with standardised tests like SATs if they have not been exposed to Year 6-level texts. Even within maths papers, questions are consistently written for a Year 6 level, so pupils may struggle to comprehend what is being asked of them. 

Using the ATOS Analyser and Renaissance tools for teachers  

The ATOS Analyser tool is invaluable for tracking reading levels and ensuring texts are just right for pupils. You can use it to quickly and easily check if the model texts being used are at the right level. By assessing pupils’ reading levels, you can offer a wider range of books that match each pupil’s needs. The ATOS Analyser helps you to pick books that are neither too hard nor too easy, hitting the sweet spot for pupil growth. 

Five strategies to promote creative writing and literacy  

Engaging pupils in reading and writing can be challenging, especially when it’s not an activity they think they will be interested in, but here are five strategies you can use to engage your pupils and to promote creative writing and literacy in the classroom: 

1. Incorporate non-traditional texts – Graphic novels and interactive stories can be great for engaging pupils who might feel overwhelmed by traditional books. These texts often have shorter sections and multiple endings, making reading more exciting and manageable. Audiobooks are also valuable, as they let pupils experience stories in a different format, potentially sparking a new interest in reading. 

1. Utilise role-play – Role-play activities, like my Quests and Quills workshops, where I use fantasy gameboards and terrain to set the scene, can greatly improve storytelling and reading skills. By focusing on the narrative rather than the mechanics of writing, these activities ignite pupils’ imaginations and foster a greater interest in reading and writing. These workshops help pupils build confidence in their storytelling abilities because they feel like they are playing a game rather than creating a story. 

1. Leverage pupils’ favourite books – The WKAR report includes tables, which feature books voted as favourites by Accelerated Reader users across different year groups. Engaging books and role models like Marcus Rashford, Maria Isabel Sanchez, and Bryan Patrick Avery are resonating with students and driving further reading. Accelerated Reader and myON offer a diverse range of inclusive fiction and non-fiction titles that showcase the depth and breadth of children’s publishing. 

1. Ensure texts are clear and accessible – Clarity is key to making texts accessible to all pupils, including those with dyslexia. Using a clear font and maintaining a distraction-free page layout can help pupils absorb the text more effectively. Ensuring that the layout is simple and the font is readable can make a significant difference in pupils’ ability to engage with and understand the material. Renaissance learning’s myON tool allows users to adjust the font to the reader’s preference, making reading that little bit easier.  

1. Encourage interest-based reading – Pupils are more likely to read and write about topics they find interesting. Encourage them to explore subjects they are passionate about, whether it’s the Guinness Book of World Records or a historical book about the Romans. It’s not that children dislike reading; they just dislike being told what they have to read. Provide space for them to explore stories that speak to their interests.  

By incorporating appropriately levelled model texts, using tools such as the ATOS Analyser and book find, and embracing non-traditional texts and role-play activities, you can support your pupils in improving their reading and writing skills. These strategies create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment, supporting pupils to reach their full potential. By adopting these approaches and remaining responsive to the diverse needs of their pupils, you can make significant strides in improving literacy outcomes and fostering a love of reading and writing that will last a lifetime.