At Christ Church, we use Colourful Semantics in all aspects of learning but primarily for teaching Writing. 

Colourful semantics gives a colour to different parts of the sentence and acts as building blocks to build simple, grammatically accurate sentences to longer, more interesting sentences. 

Colourful Semantics is used as a hook for pupils to refer to when learning new grammatical concepts and applying them within their writing. Below are some examples of the types of sentences that pupils may write using Colourful Semantics. 

Reception

Year 1

I can write simple sentences.

I can use 'and' to join two clauses. 

Year 2

I can use commas in a list.

I can use co-ordination and subordination.

I can spell words with the suffix -ly. 

Year 3

I can use pronouns.

I can use direct speech. 

Year 4

I can use fronted adverbials demarcated with a comma. 

I can use prepositions. 

Year 5

I can use relative clauses. 

I can use parenthesis. 

I can use adverbs of possibility. 

Year 6

I can use the active and passive voice. 

Throughout school, pupils will be introduced to the correct grammar terminology linked to the colours as appropriate. For example, in Year 1, pupils will learn that a Who, What and Where are nouns. 

Once pupils reach Key Stage 2, the will begin to recognise the 'who' as the 'subject'. 

Using Colourful Semantics is supporting our pupils grammar knowledge and therefore their understanding and application to writing. 

If you would like any further information regarding Colourful Semantics at Christ Church, please contact our Writing Lead:

Katie Wainwright - kwainwright@christchurch.walsall.sch.uk