I started looking through Lesley-Anne's English files. In p5, I
notice she was given quite extensive exercises on plot
development, what makes a good story and the elements of
different genres of writing, such as mysteries and persuasive
writing. She also has a list of literary elements that can be
used in writing, such as theme, imagery, dramatic irony,
characterisation and hyperbole. Obviously the kids don't have to
use everything but Lesley-Anne tells me the teachers do go
through some of them and give examples of how they are used.
This once again reinforced my belief that composition can be
taught. Just because I don't know the techniques doesn't mean
there aren't any. Lesley-Anne's file had worksheets and
exercises that they do to strengthen their skills in specific
writing elements. This is more concrete than just "practising"
because without being equipped with know-how, you'll keep
writing the same thing in the same style, with the same
mistakes, over and over. Then I looked at her p6 file and compar