The schoolzone evaluation

'I Can Write' offers two types of help for primary age writers, picture prompt frameworks and writing prompt frameworks. Both can be edited and new frameworks can be added. The picture prompt frameworks are mainly aimed at key stage 1 pupils and provide support and stimulus for younger writers. The picture prompt frameworks can also be used with pupils with special educational needs of all ages, as it offers them the additional support that they may need to be able to work independently.

New writing prompt frameworks can be set up in no time and cover all the different genres that pupils in key stage two need to cover, for example the explanation genre can be used when pupils are explaining how or why something has taken place. Some of these genre can also be used for pupils in key stage one and the word lists provided are easily accessible and can be edited.

A list of prompts can be set up for younger children or less able pupils which can support them in the various genre.The prompt list was particuarly successful when used with a group of year two pupils when recounting their school trip. The program offered the various pupils the support they needed to complete their work successfully.

'I Can Write' can be used on individual or networked computers and is also compatible with interactive whiteboards. Although the software does take some time to fully understand, the instruction book is very easy to read and follow. There are quite a few writing prompt frameworks already set up on this programme, so to start with there is very little setting up to do.

Overall this is a useful resource in the classroom and can be used with both key stage one and two pupils. The support it offers for independent writing is well differentiated and both types of frameworks can be edited, the only real downside is the time needed to set up new picture prompt frameworks and the instruction booklet is essential when using the program.

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