⭐ Write, Pair, Share – With Planning Script

Helping children shape their thinking before they speak

💡 The Big Idea

Talk is essential for learning, but structured talk is where the magic happens.

We often use Think, Pair, Share to encourage discussion. But for many primary children, jumping from thinking straight into conversation, especially about abstract or opinion-based questions, can be overwhelming. The cognitive load of forming an idea and trying to say it well under pressure is high.

That’s where Write, Pair, Share comes in.

By writing first, children can rehearse their ideas privately, build a sentence, and see their thinking before they’re expected to say it aloud. This strategy helps children, especially those who struggle with language or confidence, organise their thoughts before navigating the social complexity of discussion.

👀 A Closer Look

✅ Writing first reduces pressure and supports working memory
✅ It gives children time to construct better answers and clarify their ideas
✅ It provides an opportunity for feedback and scaffolding before sharing
✅ It makes thinking visible, which means you can check for understanding while they write

This structure is especially powerful when the task involves:

• Sharing opinions

• Interpreting ideas

• Comparing concepts

• Using precise vocabulary in full sentences

• Not trying to answer questions that have one set answer

✍️ Write, Pair, Share: The Routine

Here’s a step-by-step guide to running it in your classroom: