TEACHER STANDARDS

Active Writers: Motivating Boys in Reception

'Active Writers: Motivating Boys in Reception' is a practical, evidence-informed training course designed for early years and reception practitioners who want to boost boys’ engagement, confidence and progress in writing. Focused on mark-making, early writing skills and EYFS pedagogy, this course explores why boys often disengage from writing and how purposeful, play-based approaches can transform their motivation. Led by Michelle Windridge, early years specialist, this training brings together research-backed strategies and real-world classroom experience. You’ll learn how to create irresistible writing opportunities, build physical readiness for writing, and embed meaningful mark-making into continuous provision, indoors and outdoors. Perfect for EYFS leaders, reception teachers, teaching assistants and early years practitioners looking for fresh, practical ideas to inspire confident boy writers.
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Michelle Windridge

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

deepen your understanding of the developmental foundations of mark-making and early writing, including the physical, cognitive and emotional factors that influence boys’ engagement;
explore evidence-informed reasons why boys may be reluctant writers, and identify practical strategies to increase motivation, confidence and enjoyment;
be equipped with a range of playful, purposeful mark-making and writing activities that can be embedded into indoor and outdoor continuous provision;
develop your skills in modelling, scaffolding and supporting early writing, ensuring boys experience success and build strong early literacy habits;
develop confidence in planning and creating an enabling environment that promotes independence, choice and real purpose in writing, leading to improved engagement and outcomes for boys.

Course Lessons

Written by: Michelle Windridge

Michelle is an experienced primary and early years teacher with over 25 years of leadership experience across EYFS, KS1, and KS2. Alongside this, Michelle is a regular contributor to TES, Early Years Educator and Teach Early Years magazine, where she writes about pedagogy, practice, and early years policy. In addition, Michelle serves as an external examiner for Primary Education Studies and Early Childhood Studies undergraduate and postgraduate programs, contributing to the maintenance of academic standards across higher education.

Previously, Michelle worked as a Lecturer in Education, where she had the privilege of helping to inspire and prepare the next generation of primary school teachers and early years educators. During this time, Michelle achieved Fellowship status, recognising her commitment to teaching and learning in Higher Education.

Before joining Twinkl, Michelle held a range of senior leadership positions, including Assistant Headteacher, Specialist Leader of Education, Local Authority Moderator and EYFS Aspiration Leader.