6 Proven Steps to Teach Composition Writing to Lower Primary Pupils With Example

Hey there, fellow teachers!

In the literary sense, a composition (from the Latin “to put together”) is the way a writer assembles words and sentences to create a coherent and meaningful work

– What Is Composition? Definition, Types, and Examples (thoughtco.com)

Teaching composition writing to our bright-eyed youngsters in lower primary might feel a bit like trying to corral a bunch of energetic bunnies into a neat line—challenging but definitely doable, and oh so rewarding! I totally get that blend of thrill and a tiny bit of nervousness you might be feeling about it. No worries though, we’re in this together! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll be all set to help your little learners express their big ideas through their very first compositions. Let’s crack the code on this one, shall we?

Understanding the Little Minds

First things first, remember that primary 1 to 3 kids are at a very explorative stage. Their cognitive abilities are just blossoming and they often think in concrete terms. They’re also bursting with creativity, often seeing the world through a lens of wonder and imagination. This is your goldmine.

Step 1: Building a Foundation

Start with the basics. At this age, it’s crucial to instill a love for storytelling rather than diving straight into the mechanics of writing. Read to them. A lot. Stories from books like Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak or The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle not only stir their imagination but also subtly introduce the concept of a narrative arc.

To make these sessions more interactive, ask questions about the story, such as “What do you think happens next?” or “How do you think the caterpillar feels?” This opens a doorway to understanding characters and plots, which are fundamental in composition writing.

Introducing Composition Writing

Once their minds are ripe with stories, introduce the idea of composition writing. Explain it as “telling your own story on paper.” Keep it simple. Use a story they are already familiar with and discuss the beginning, middle, and end. This helps them understand basic structure without overwhelming them.

Step 2: Talking Before Writing

Before they put pencil to paper to begin composition writing, encourage your pupils to talk about their ideas. Have a “chat session” where they can discuss what they might want to write about. This can be guided by prompts such as “What’s your favorite animal and why?” or “Tell me about a time you felt happy/sad/scared.” Oral storytelling or retelling is a fantastic way to scaffold their writing.

Encourage them to use adjectives/descriptive words and connect their ideas using linking words like ‘and’, ‘because’, and ‘then’. This practice will be crucial when they start writing.

Step 3: From Words to Sentences

Once they’re bubbling with ideas, it’s time to start forming sentences. A good strategy is to use sentence starters or frames. For instance, if the topic is on their favorite animal, a sentence starter could be “My favorite animal is _ because _.” This structure helps them organize their thoughts and offers a clear pathway from thinking to writing – a key step in composition writing.

Crafting Their First Stories

Gradually, encourage them to expand these sentences into a short paragraph. Guide them to include a beginning, which sets the scene, a middle, where something happens, and an end, where everything concludes. It might be about a lost pet finding its way home or a rainy-day adventure with friends.

Step 4: Creating a Writing Ritual

Kids thrive on routine. Establish a dedicated ‘composition writing time’ in class. This doesn’t have to be long—10 to 15 minutes is ample at the beginning. Use this time to practice writing regularly. Consistency helps build confidence and skill.

In these sessions, focus on one aspect of composition writing. Perhaps one day you focus on capitals and full stops, another day on using adjectives to make sentences more interesting. Always celebrate their efforts to keep them motivated.

Step 5: Gentle Introduction to Editing

Editing can be introduced slowly. Start by focusing on one aspect at a time. Maybe initially, you focus only on capitalization. Next, you might add in ending punctuation. Use positive reinforcement to encourage them when they remember these rules.

Editing should be a collaborative process where you sit with the child and gently guide them through their text, asking questions like, “Do you think a full stop goes here?” This makes the process interactive and less daunting.

Step 6: Sharing Is Caring

One of the most motivating aspects for young writers is sharing their work. Regularly dedicate time for students to share their writings with the class. This not only boosts confidence but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. They learn from hearing each other’s work, too!

Using Visual Aids and Technology

Incorporate visual aids like storyboards or picture cards to help them plan their stories visually before composition writing. For schools that integrate technology, apps like Storybird or Little Bird Tales can be great resources.

Template for Introducing composition Writing with Example

So since you’ve taken time to go over the 6 key steps to composition writing, lets explore an expanded template that you can use to introduce and can guide young pupils in crafting a well-structured composition. Our example here is going to be about their school (A descriptive composition and a great place to start). This template is designed to help them organize their thoughts and provide detailed descriptions, making their writing more engaging and coherent. When teaching descriptive composition writing, do well to recap adjectives as mentioned earlier and possibly have examples listed on the board, then demonstrate how descriptive composition writing uses lots of adjectives to describe people, places, animal or things.

Template for Writing a Composition on “My School”

1. Introduction:
   • What is the name of your school?
   • Where is it located?
2. Physical Appearance:
   • What is the color of the building and the main gate?
   • Describe the entrance to the school.
   • Are there any special features like a garden or a playground?
3. Inside the School:
   • Describe one of your favorite places inside the school (e.g., library, playground, classroom).
   • What makes this place your favorite?
4. Daily Experience:
   • Describe how you feel coming to school each morning.
   • What are some things you see or hear as you enter the school?
5. People at School:
   • Introduce your headteacher or a favorite teacher.
   • What is something interesting about them?
   • Mention some friends and what you usually do together at school.
6. Activities and Events:
   • What is a memorable event that happened at school?
   • Describe any special activities that the school organizes (e.g., Sports Day, Cultural Festival).
7. Conclusion:
   • What do you like most about your school?
   • What is one thing you wish could change?

Sample Composition writing: “My School” Using Above Template

My school is called Bright Future Academy. It is located on the busy Adeola Avenue in Lagos, surrounded by colorful markets and towering buildings. The school itself is a tall, white building with a large, red gate that always seems welcoming.

As I walk through the entrance every morning, I notice the bright flowers along the walkway and the sounds of my classmates laughing and playing. The front yard is vast, with a playground on one side that has swings and a slide. My favorite place, however, is the library. It is quiet and filled with books on every shelf, from floor to ceiling. I love reading about faraway places and times.

Every morning, coming to school fills me with excitement. I always look forward to meeting my friends and learning new things. The familiar sound of the school bell ringing and the morning assembly songs energize me for the day ahead.

Our headteacher, Mrs. Adebiyi, is very kind. She tells us stories during assembly and teaches us about respect and honesty. She makes every student feel important and loved. My friends, Tolu, Amina, and I often play tag during recess or work together on class projects.

Last month, our school celebrated Cultural Festival. It was amazing to see everyone dressed in traditional outfits and performing dances from different Nigerian cultures. We learned a lot about our heritage and had lots of fun.

I love my school because it is a place where I feel safe and happy. I have great teachers and friends who make every day special. However, I wish we had a bigger sports area so we could play more games.

Bright Future Academy is not just my school; it is a place where I grow and dream about the future.

Be Patient and Encouraging

Patience is key. Celebrate small victories and provide lots of encouragement and specific praise. If a child uses an adjective or connects two ideas, highlight this achievement. It’s about progress, not perfection.

This approach ensures that each pupil can systematically tackle the task of composition writing about their school, providing a detailed and vivid description that paints a clear picture for the reader.

I’d love to hear your thoughts

Now, I’d love to hear how this template works out for you or if there are other topics you’d like templates for. Please share your experiences and thoughts in the comments section below! I’d love to hear from you all. What strategies have worked in your classroom? What challenges have you faced while teaching composition writing to lower primary students? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and keep refining our craft.

Teaching composition writing to young children is an incredibly rewarding part of our job. It opens up new worlds for them and us. By fostering a love for writing now, we’re setting them up for a lifetime of expression and creativity. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, armed with these strategies, and get to teaching. Happy writing, everyone!