Autumn Writing for a Purpose · Lists
Lists to use in autumn play
A list can help children gather materials for a building, plan a shared search or keep track of a collection. These templates offer space for drawing, marks and words, so children can record what matters to them and use the list as their play continues.
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Take a look inside
Browse one sheet with two drawing-and-marks lists, an extract showing a writing layout, and an extract from the practitioner notes. These three watermarked previews show a small selection from the pack.
On smaller screens, scroll or swipe sideways to browse the three watermarked previews. Download the file for all 12 list templates and the practitioner notes.
What’s included in the pack?
Autumn Writing for a Purpose: Lists. This seven-page file contains 12 list templates across four purposes, each offered in three layout choices. There are six printable sheets with two lists per sheet, plus one page of practitioner guidance.
Lists with a practical purpose
Keep a list beside a construction plan, a collection basket or a small-world woodland. Children can plan what they need, share a search with someone else or make a record they want to come back to.
A choice of ways to record
The open layout has generous unlined entries. The mixed layout pairs pictures with words, while the writing layout offers more entries. Children can combine pictures, symbols, letters and words, or dictate to an adult.
Choose the paper to suit the purpose. The three layouts are options, not ability groups or a sequence to complete. Children can choose any version, switch between them and use the space in a way that helps them communicate.
This download is the Lists file from the Autumn Writing for a Purpose series. Other files in the series are available separately. A page finder in the practitioner notes helps you select the purpose and layout you need.
Make the list part of the play
Begin with a reason for making a list, then help children use it when they return to their materials, collection or partner.
Decide what the list will help with
Talk about what children want to do or remember. Choose a layout together and keep it close to the play. A child’s drawing or mark can stand for something they want to find, collect or use.
Record what the child means
Listen to their ideas. Offer a word, model a short message or scribe their exact words if invited. Ask before adding to the list and leave the child’s own marks visible.
Take the list back into the play
Read it together, carry it to the resources, show it to a partner or compare it with a collection. A tick, line or added mark can show what has been found, if that is useful to the child.
Support access in different ways
A larger surface, adapted tool, pointing, familiar signs or home-language words may help a child communicate. They can combine their own marks with adult scribing when they want that support.
Let children decide what counts
Talk about what each entry means to the child before checking it against their materials or collection. Use any added marks to help them keep track. The value of the list comes from how it helps them do or remember something.
How many lists will we print?
The file has seven pages: practitioner notes on page 1 and six printable sheets on pages 2–7. Each printable sheet contains two list templates, giving 12 lists altogether. Print the sheets you need on A4 at 100% / actual size and cut around the outer borders. There is no need to print the practitioner notes.
Do children need to work through A, B and C?
No. A offers drawing and mark-making space; B combines drawing with emergent writing; C offers more room for independent writing. The small footer codes help adults find versions. Children can choose any layout, switch between them or dictate to an adult. They are not levels to complete.
Can children use a list before they write words?
Yes. A child can draw, make marks, use symbols or tell an adult what they want to record. Read the list back together and use it for its intended purpose. Ask before adding adult writing and keep the child’s own marks visible.
Can we adapt the titles or writing space?
Yes. All text and line shapes are editable in Word. Change the wording or arrangement of lines to suit the list’s purpose, while keeping the open spaces clear for children’s work.
Download the Autumn Lists writing pack
Choose a layout, record what matters and take the list back into the play.
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You might also find these useful
Find a reason to make and use a list through building, exploring, collecting and remembering. Each link below opens a public page where you can explore the companion resource before visiting its downloads.
Resource and preview images © Little Owls Resources.