Using the planning frames

Most writers use some form of planning to help them organise their writing. The IPEELL strategy’s planning frames help students organise their ideas and ensure that they follow the structured approach. Using the model text, students should be able to deconstruct the writing into the planning frame. This will help them understand how the author organised their ideas before writing the final piece. For example, what notes did they think the author made in the introduction box? What was the first point and what additional information was provided? The planning frames on the following pages are designed for different purposes.

Standard frame

The planning frame can be used for most text types and follows the basic principle of three or more points. The text type will dictate what information is used to elaborate the point. It could include examples, evidence (including quotations) or explanations.

Introducing other frames

Further along in the IPEELL process, it may be appropriate to introduce alternative planning frames for each text type and subject. However, the recommendation is that these are not used until the standard planning frame has been faded out (Stage 5) and students have begun to write independently (Stage 6). Alternative planning frames can then support students to develop their independent writing further as appropriate for the subject. You can find additional planning frames on the National Literacy Trust website, in the Improving Writing at Key Stage 3 participants' area.