Free English / Writing
Free writing course · Ages 4 to 12 · No login
Writing that starts with talk.
A complete free writing composition course from first marks to a news report: 22 units, 40 picture prompts, interactive sentence skills, planning frames and editing checklists. Every unit follows the same eight parts and ends with a real reader.
22units in 4 levels
40picture prompts
21sentence skills
A4frames and checklists
Choose a level
From first marks to formal writing
Level 1 writing
Level 2 writing
Level 3 writing
The unit shape
Eight parts, every time
Units run for 5 to 8 sessions. Early years units are about 15 to 20 minutes a session, Level 1 about 30 to 40, Level 2 about 45 and Level 3 about 60.
- 1Read and enjoyAn original model text, with audio.
- 2Talk itOral rehearsal games before anyone writes.
- 3Sentence skillOne sentence skill, taught and practised.
- 4PlanA planning frame, typed or printed.
- 5Shared writeThe teacher writes aloud and thinks aloud.
- 6Independent writeChildren write, with support and stretch.
- 7CheckSuccess criteria and an editing checklist.
- 8PublishA printable template and a real reader.
Extras
Tools for any unit
For children
40 picture prompts
A picture, five spoken questions, a word bank and starters for three levels.
Open the pictures InteractiveSentence skills
Punctuate, join, expand and choose. Checked in your browser.
Practise PrintableChecklists and frames
Editing checklists for each level, every frame and ten publishing templates.
Print For parentsHelping without taking over
A calm routine: talk first, short and often, specific praise.
Read the guidePrinciples
What the course is built on
A
Talk before writing. The curriculum asks children to say sentences aloud before they write them. Every unit has oral rehearsal games.
B
Model, then share, then write alone. The EEF recommends teaching writing strategies through modelling and supported practice. Each unit has a model text and a teacher script.
C
Keep transcription separate. Fluent handwriting and spelling free attention for ideas. Practise them separately, in short bursts.
D
Teach sentences, not just texts. Sentence skills such as joining, expanding and punctuating are taught and practised in context.
E
Write for a reader. Every unit ends with publishing for a real audience, which gives the writing a purpose.
F
Plan, check, improve. Children use frames to plan and checklists to review, with the support slowly withdrawn.
Curriculum and evidence
The units follow the writing composition statements in the national curriculum for England, from the early years learning goals to Year 6, and the grammar and punctuation content of English Appendix 2. They draw on Education Endowment Foundation guidance for literacy in early years, key stage 1 and key stage 2.
- Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (DfE)
- National curriculum in England: English programmes of study (DfE)
- English Appendix 2: vocabulary, grammar and punctuation (DfE)
- Improving Literacy in Key Stage 1 (EEF)
- Improving Literacy in Key Stage 2 (EEF)
- Preparing for Literacy: early years (EEF)
Curriculum and guidance statements are paraphrased. Last checked 7 November 2026. Not affiliated with the Department for Education or the Education Endowment Foundation.
More writing practice elsewhere: Write and Improve (Cambridge, free, for ages 11 and up) and British Council LearnEnglish Kids writing practice.
Questions teachers ask
Do children need to be able to handwrite fluently first?
No. Composition and transcription are taught separately. Children can say, draw, scribe or type their ideas while handwriting is practised in short, separate sessions.
Is it only for English schools?
The units follow the national curriculum for England, but each unit has CEFR levels and support for English as an additional or foreign language, so it works for schools abroad too.
Are the model texts free to copy?
Yes. Model texts and printables are original to Litlings and free to copy for your class or home use.