This two-week Year 4 Real Writing unit focuses on Joe’s Hooded Hawk by Ross Montgomery. Pupils explore how writers create character and build tension, then craft their own warning story about electricity.
Each lesson uses a clear framework to develop understanding of structure, vocabulary, and author’s craft. Pupils analyse how Montgomery uses action, dialogue, and description to shape characters and suspense.
The unit ends with pupils planning and writing their own warning narrative, applying grammar and vocabulary in context. It links with the Year 4 science topic on electricity, reinforcing safety.
Resources included
- Model text in three formats: plain, illustrated and annotated PDF
- Annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint versions
- Teacher notes and lesson slides
- Activity sheets and vocabulary cards
- Planning templates and a 'How to structure a warning story' poster
- Writing skills checklists and margin planners
Curriculum links
English
- Build a varied and rich vocabulary using synonyms and antonyms
- Develop character through description and dialogue
- Use fronted adverbials, prepositions and consistent tense
- Punctuate direct speech accurately
- Create expanded noun phrases
Science
- Identify the dangers of electricity
- Understand how to work safely with electrical items
Vocabulary
- Tier 2 words: haughtily, plummet, precaution, shallow, stealth, streak, unconsciousness
- Tier 3 words: current, electric, electrocuted, hazardous, pylon, smoulder, voltage
- Common exception words: accidentally, breathe, build, caught, centre, favourite
Key teaching activities
Phase 1 – Familiarisation
- Introduce the topic with images of pylons and discuss how electricity travels safely
- Read and annotate Joe’s Hooded Hawk, identifying the warning, problem, resolution and ending
- Explore synonyms, antonyms and key spelling words through matching and inference tasks
- Discuss comprehension questions covering recall, inference and vocabulary use
- Create safety posters showing the dangers of electricity
Phase 2 – Teaching and rehearsing
- Revisit punctuation, grammar and vocabulary
- Explore direct speech and how it reveals character
- Role-play dialogue between characters who ignore or follow a warning
Phase 3 – Application
- Plan a warning story using the margin planner
- Draft, edit and proofread stories over several sessions
- Share final pieces aloud, focusing on expression and clarity
Outcomes
By the end of this unit, pupils will:
- Write an original warning story modelled on Joe’s Hooded Hawk
- Use expanded noun phrases and fronted adverbials for detail and flow
- Punctuate dialogue accurately
- Apply vocabulary choices purposefully
- Demonstrate understanding of electrical safety through narrative writing