Planning an Everybody Writes project

If you would like to plan an Everybody Writes project for your school, or even for a number of schools in your local area, follow these simple steps.

Step 1 - Read the brochure

Download a copy of the Everybody Writes guide for schools. These free resources include everything a teacher needs to plan an Everybody Writes project, whether it is a simple, short-term project at classroom level, or an ambitious writing project for the whole school.

Step 2 - Look at online resources

Take a look at our case studies of writing projects undertaken in real schools by real teachers to understand the Everybody Writes approach and get some ideas for your project. You may find these four case studies to be a useful starting point

Taking writing beyond the classroom: Nature Meadow Writing
Giving children authentic events to write about: The Nest
Finding real audiences for children's writing: Moss Hey TV
Exploring writing across the curriculum: Everybody Writes and Science

Watch the 3-minute What is Everybody Writes? film for an overview of the Everybody Writes approach.

Step 3 - Involve staff and think about your school's needs

Hold a staff meeting to introduce your colleagues to Everybody Writes. This will ensure that they are involved in the planning from the earliest stages, giving everyone a sense of ownership over the project. You may find the following resources helpful in planning your meeting:

Think about what type of project might suit your school. You might like to take a look at some of these case studies for some ideas:

Transform the physical environment of your school to celebrate words and language: The Edible Garden
Develop a short-term writing project for a class, year group or whole school: The Iron Man
Create a book, film or website: Homelessness

Whatever you do, your project should suit the needs and characteristics of your school. Keep it simple. Make the most of what you're already doing - have you got an Arts Week planned? Is the school celebrating its centenary this year? How might you create a writing project around these events?

Rather than a longer-term project you might choose to hold an Everybody Writes Day - to celebrate writing in your school. Collapse the curriculum for one whole day to explore and enjoy writing in all its forms, and get every pupil and staff member involved - including catering staff, site managers and parent volunteers. You could choose to run one big writing event to engage all pupils, or opt for a series of playful and engaging writing activities across the day.