Core Skills Analysis
English – Writing
Me 2 wrote a short note addressed to mum asking if they could go for a walk. In doing so, Me 2 practiced structuring a simple sentence with a greeting, a clear request, and appropriate punctuation. The activity reinforced his understanding of purpose (to ask) and audience (mum), and he used capital letters at the start of the note and a question mark at the end.
English – Handwriting
Me 2 formed each letter by hand, paying attention to consistent size, shape, and spacing. By copying a real‑world message, he applied fine‑motor coordination to produce legible script on paper. He also focused on maintaining even spacing between words and aligning the text neatly along the left margin.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE)
Me 2 expressed a personal desire politely, showing awareness of how to communicate needs to a caregiver. The friendly tone of the note demonstrated empathy and respect for mum’s feelings. This simple exchange encouraged reflective thinking about how his words influence relationships and how to ask for something in a courteous way.
Tips
Encourage Me 2 to keep a family‑note journal where he writes a short message each day for a different household member, varying the purpose (thank‑you, invitation, reminder). Set up a role‑play post‑office corner; after writing, let him stamp, address, and deliver the notes, then discuss how the audience changes the wording. Combine a short walk planning activity: have him draw a map of the route and write a note asking mum to join, linking writing to spatial reasoning and outdoor learning.
Book Recommendations
- The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg: A charming picture book that follows a postman delivering letters to fairy‑tale characters, introducing young readers to the format and excitement of written communication.
- Dear Mrs. Butterworth by Rebecca Kai Dotlich: A humorous story about a girl who writes a letter to her teacher, showing how notes can be used to ask questions and share feelings.
- Letters from a Lost Friend by Alison McGowan: A gentle tale about two friends exchanging letters, highlighting the power of written words to maintain relationships and express wishes.
Learning Standards
- National Curriculum England – English: Key Stage 1, Strand 3 (Writing), sub‑strand 3.1 – write for a purpose and audience.
- Key Stage 1, Strand 4 (Handwriting), sub‑strand 4.1 – produce legible writing with correct formation, spacing and alignment.
- Key Stage 1, PSHE: Understand respectful communication, expressing needs politely and recognising the impact of words on others.
Try This Next
- Create a “Family Note” worksheet where Me 2 writes three different notes (thank‑you, invitation, reminder) for three family members, then colour‑code each purpose.
- Set up a mini post‑office with stamps and address labels; let Me 2 practice addressing envelopes, stamping, and delivering his notes, followed by a reflection discussion.