Teaching Skills: Writing with Primary Learners

Mastering Writing with Primary School Learners: Practical Strategies for Busy Classrooms is a hands-on, high-impact teacher training workshop designed for ESL, EAL, TESOL, and CELTA-trained teachers working in primary settings. Discover practical, low-prep techniques to boost young learners’ writing skills, especially in large, mixed-ability classrooms. This CPD session equips teachers with classroom-ready strategies, scaffolding tools, and efficient feedback routines that make teaching writing easier, more engaging, and more effective. Perfect for busy teachers in schools looking to level up their literacy instruction.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify common barriers young ESL learners face when developing writing skills.
• Explain key scaffolding techniques that support primary learners’ writing development.
• Apply low-prep writing strategies to model, guide, and support student writing in large classes.
• Design simple writing routines and activities tailored to mixed-ability ESL classrooms.
• Evaluate student writing using efficient feedback tools that promote independence and accuracy.

For the best experience, attendees should have:

• a computer or ipad style device (a phone will also work)

• stable internet access

• a headset with microphone

• a webcam

Attendees will also receive a certificate of attendance which includes the number of teaching hours.

Kevin Clare

Since 2009, Kevin has been involved in teaching English in a range of different settings, teaching adults, teenagers and notably young learners in Australia, Daqing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. He has worked in language centres as a Director of Studies and in various roles in International Schools. He holds a CELTA, PGCE as well as a degree in Journalism and Politics.

At EfA, Kevin focuses a lot of his attention to training teachers to work with Young Learners. He is the Director of the Teaching Young Learner’s Extension Certificate (TYLEC). He is also the course director on the CertTESOL course and trains teachers in Hong Kong and around Asia.