The Seven Steps System is Easy

The Seven Steps works on the 'chunking' method. Think how we learn sport in steps. e.g. in tennis - we practise forehand, backhand, serve, volley…

So why don't we teach writing in chunks?

The Seven Steps
Now we can. These are the seven main techniques children need when writing:

1. Plan for Success
2. Sizzling Starts
3. Tightening Tension
4. Dynamic Dialogue
5. Show, Don't Tell
6. Ban the Boring
7. Exciting Endings

How does 'chunking' work?
In the Seven Steps program, children practise each of the steps for 1-2 weeks until they have mastered them.

e.g. Step 1: Plan for Success

• Top Technique: You and your child read the easy to follow worksheet and discover the quick guide to planning.
• Five Day Activity: Every day, children spend ten minutes a day doing a 'chunked' activity for practice.  These are created to be easy and empowering. In this case it's the Chatterbox - a fun, interactive game to brainstorm ideas and learn how to order them.
• Real Life Writing activity: A 'real life' idea to reinforce skills - these often don't even involve writing.  Children might analyze a TV ad, or practise telling jokes that end with a bang - all great ways to learn planning in real life.

The activities are designed by an author to be short, fun and really instill confidence.

So each week your child masters a new step.

BONUS Story Template
Finally, when all the Seven Steps have been mastered, that's when we put it all together into the complex process of 'writing a story.' We give you a simple step-by-step template to help your child create a great story. This template can be used over and over again!

Want to see:

• An extract from Sizzling Starts?
• What are the Seven Steps?
• Conferences