Talk for Writing
Talk for Writing is a popular teaching method used in primary schools to help children develop their writing skills. Created by education expert Pie Corbett, it helps teachers guide students through the writing process by first speaking their stories out loud. Think of it like a three-step process: first children learn to tell stories verbally (often with actions), then they practice changing these stories, and finally they write their own versions. It's similar to other teaching approaches like Read Write Inc. or Story Making, but Talk for Writing is specifically known for its focus on speaking before writing.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented Talk for Writing approach across Key Stage 1, leading to improved writing outcomes
Led staff training sessions on Talk for Writing methods and strategies
Used Talk for Writing techniques to support EAL students in developing narrative skills
Typical job title: "Primary School Teachers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Primary School Teachers
Professional Networks
Training Resources
Professional Social Media
Example Interview Questions
Literacy Coordinator/Lead Level Questions
Q: How would you implement Talk for Writing across the whole school?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating an action plan, training staff, monitoring progress, adapting for different year groups, and measuring impact on student writing outcomes.
Q: How do you use Talk for Writing to support diverse learning needs?
Expected Answer: Should explain how the method can be adapted for different abilities, EAL students, and special educational needs, with specific examples of modifications.
Experienced Teacher Level Questions
Q: How do you use Talk for Writing to improve children's independent writing?
Expected Answer: Should explain the imitation, innovation, and invention stages, with examples of how they gradually remove scaffolding to build independence.
Q: What strategies do you use to engage parents with Talk for Writing?
Expected Answer: Should discuss methods of sharing the approach with parents, homework activities, and ways to encourage story-telling at home.
New Teacher Level Questions
Q: Can you explain the basic stages of Talk for Writing?
Expected Answer: Should describe the three stages: imitation (learning a text), innovation (adapting it), and invention (creating new versions).
Q: How do you use actions and story maps in Talk for Writing?
Expected Answer: Should explain how actions help children remember stories and how story maps provide visual support for retelling.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic implementation of Talk for Writing stages
- Using story maps and actions
- Teaching model texts
- Basic assessment of writing progress
Mid (2-5 years)
- Adapting Talk for Writing for different abilities
- Creating effective model texts
- Supporting other staff with implementation
- Tracking and evidencing progress
Senior (5+ years)
- Whole-school implementation strategies
- Staff training and development
- Curriculum planning and assessment
- Adapting the approach for school needs
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of the three stages of Talk for Writing
- Inability to explain how to use actions and story mapping
- Lack of experience in modeling writing for students
- No knowledge of how to assess writing progress
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
From Ghost Town to Talent Hub: Transforming Your Careers Blog into a Talent Magnet
The Psychology of Job Descriptions: How AI Can Help Write Better Job Posts
Forget Coding—Can You Communicate? Why Soft Skills are the New Hard Skills
