Punctuation Pyramid

The Punctuation Pyramid is a core component of Ros Wilson's Big Writing method for raising standards in writing. The method relates to the English language only.

History

Ros Wilson developed Big Writing and her Criterion Scale to standardise the assessment over twenty thousand pieces of children’s writing between October 1999 and October 2002. To exemplify the levels of punctuation, she incorporated them into a triangle, with the most challenging punctuation appearing along the bottom layer - level 5. As the Big Writing methodology developed further, sides of the pyramid for the other aspects of V.C.O.P., Vocabulary, Connectives and Openers were added.

Description

The Punctuation Pyramid 1 is used to illustrate progression in punctuation. Teachers are advised to ask pupils to guess what the pyramid represents and then steer them towards recognising the ‘levels’. Pupils should be encouraged to name all punctuation and teachers should consider asking if anyone knows more from the higher levels (e.g. parenthesis or brackets, hyphen or dash).

To amplify its impact, teachers should refer to it every time pupils write - in any subject. The Punctuation Pyramid is perfect for playing games, e.g. covering items with post-its and asking what is covered. Work towards all pupils knowing level 5 by heart. As with all aspects of Big Writing, this exercise should be lively, fun and pupils should be constantly praised and rewarded.