What is the Writing Workshop?

The Read, Play, Create KS1 Writing Workshop is a 90-minute literacy workshop designed to support diary and recount writing in Key Stage 1.

Children are immersed in a familiar story and explore it through sensory play, talk and drama. These first-hand experiences provide a meaningful stimulus for writing, helping children generate ideas, vocabulary and confidence before they write.

What happens during the workshop?

Each class takes part in a structured session that moves children from experience → talk → writing:

• Story immersion through engaging storytelling
• Sensory exploration of key story settings
• Vocabulary gathering through play and discussion
• Modelled and shared writing
• Independent diary or recount writing
• Sharing and celebration

Writing Outcomes

All workshops focus on diary or recount writing, with expectations pitched appropriately.

Year 1
• Simple, structured sentences
• Use of capital letters and full stops
• Descriptive vocabulary
• Past tense

Year 2
• Clear beginning, middle and end
• Time words and expanded noun phrases
• Feelings and reasons
• Accurate punctuation

Curriculum Links

The KS1 workshop supports the English National Curriculum by:
• Encouraging children to say sentences aloud before writing
• Supporting sentence composition and sequencing
• Developing vocabulary and descriptive language
• Applying grammar and punctuation in context

Practical Info & Pricing

• Half Day (1 class): £220
• Full Day (2 classes): £350

(Travel included within an agreed local radius)

• Length: 90 minutes per class
• Format: Half day (1 class) or full day (2 classes)
• Led by: Vanessa, Read, Play, Create
• Staff: Class teacher and support staff remain present
• Space needed: Hall or large space for sensory play

Who Leads the Workshop?

Workshops are led by Vanessa, an experienced primary teacher and founder of Read, Play, Create.

Sessions are carefully structured, inclusive and designed to support all learners through high-quality talk, purposeful play and meaningful writing experiences.

Story Choices

Schools can choose from familiar texts, including:
• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
• The Gruffalo
• The Three Little Pigs

More coming soon....

Why Schools Choose Read, Play, Create

• Clear links to the KS1 English curriculum
• Purposeful, structured play that supports writing
• Inclusive and accessible for all learners
• Minimal preparation required from school staff
• Meaningful written outcomes in one session