This Year 4 Real Writing unit uses a model text by children's author Loretta Schauer to explore UK place names. Pupils study Anglo-Saxon roots and how local features shaped settlement names.
Over two to three weeks, the children will read, discuss, research, and write reports. The unit builds technical vocabulary, reinforces consistent verb tenses, and teaches paragraph structure.
Lessons link English with history and geography. Pupils explore Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking influences while practising grammar and organisation.
Curriculum links
English
- Reading and writing information texts
- Using paragraphs
- Fronted adverbials
- Conjunctions
- Punctuation
- Nouns
- Pronouns for cohesion
History
Anglo-Saxon, Roman and Viking Britain
Geography
Understanding locations, physical features and settlement patterns
Vocabulary
- Tier 2 words: associated, notable, important, local, historical
- Tier 3 words: derived, feature, location, physical, pronunciation, settlement, etymology, morphology
- Common exception words: actually, describe, different, history, island, popular, strange
Resources included
- Model text PDF (plain, illustrated, annotated)
- PowerPoint presentations (annotated and non-annotated)
- Teacher notes and activity sheets
- Vocabulary cards and matching activities
- Blank UK maps and atlases
- Report margin planners and ‘How to write a report’ poster
Key teaching activities
- Pupils locate towns on blank maps, colour-code name endings, and discuss patterns
- The model text is read together; pupils identify text type, verb tenses, and previously learned writing skills such as conjunctions, adjectives, prepositions, and noun phrases
- Vocabulary is explored through word cards; pupils match words to definitions and infer meaning from context
- Pupils write instructions for naming a settlement, incorporating technical vocabulary
- Paragraph writing is practised with topic sentences, cohesion, and correct tense
- Pupils research local place names, plan their report using the margin planner, write over several sessions, and proofread using a writing skills checklist
Outcomes
- Understand etymology and morphology of place names
- Create and explain Anglo-Saxon style place names
- Apply consistent verb tenses in writing
- Use paragraphs, conjunctions, fronted adverbials, and cohesive devices effectively
- Write structured reports linking historical knowledge to local geography
- Expand vocabulary and spelling accuracy using tiered word lists