This Year 6 writing unit from our Real Writing collection is built around an original model text, The Workings of the Human Heart, by published children’s author Anita Loughrey. This is an explanation text that describes how the heart functions as part of the circulatory system.
Following a carefully mapped framework, this unit provides two to three weeks of detailed lesson planning. Each lesson develops pupils’ reading, writing and scientific understanding, linking English skills to science topics about the human body.
Pupils will learn to identify the features of an explanatory text, including headings, diagrams and bullet-pointed lists. They'll then apply these features in their own writing.
Curriculum links
This unit supports key Year 6 English objectives, including:
- Using organisational devices such as headings and diagrams
- Punctuating bullet points to list information clearly
- Revisiting parenthesis and cohesion devices including pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions and adverbials
- Using hyphens correctly
- Applying Year 5/6 statutory spelling and vocabulary
Cross-curricular links include science, where pupils explore the circulatory system, the function of the heart and the flow of blood through its chambers. Pupils will also develop skills in presenting information clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing.
Vocabulary
Year 5/6 statutory spelling words: muscle, rhythm, system
Tier two words: contract, dispose of, function
Tier three words: artery, atrium, blood vessel, carbon dioxide, cardiac, circulatory, oxygen, pulse, valve, vein, ventricle
Resources
- Model text PDFs (plain, illustrated, annotated)
- Annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations
- Vocabulary cards and explanatory writing poster
- Writing skills checklist
- Planning margins for drafting explanations
- Diagram worksheets showing the heart and circulatory system
Activities
Start the unit with a hands-on science investigation where pupils test how different exercises affect pulse rate. In pairs or small groups, plan and carry out the investigation, predict which activities will increase pulse rate most and discuss results. This builds scientific understanding to support children's writing.
Next, read the model text together as a class, highlighting headings, diagrams and organisational features. Discuss how diagrams clarify complex information. Ask pupils to create their own annotated diagram showing the heart’s structure and function.
Introduce Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary, asking pupils to identify examples in the text and use them in sentences.
Reread the text to identify causal conjunctions that show cause and effect. Discuss how these support explanatory writing.
Pupils will practise explaining orally how blood travels through the heart’s chambers using appropriate technical language and causal conjunctions. They'll then plan their own explanatory text using the margin planner, structuring paragraphs clearly with headings, diagrams and bullet points.
Outcomes
- Analyse a model explanation text and identify its organisational features
- Use headings, diagrams and bullet points effectively
- Apply Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary accurately
- Write a clear, structured explanatory text describing how the heart works
- Use cohesion, parentheses, hyphens and causal conjunctions to enhance clarity
- Present explanations confidently, both orally and in written form
This unit equips pupils with scientific knowledge, clear writing skills and the ability to communicate complex processes effectively.