This Year 5 Real Writing unit features an original model text by Jon Mayhew.
Pupils read a letter sent to an agony aunt and her reply. They identify formal letter features and write their own letters and responses. Lessons guide pupils to choose formal vocabulary, apply modal verbs, and organise their ideas clearly.
The unit includes two to three weeks of detailed lesson planning, follows a carefully mapped framework and matches Year 5 writing objectives.
Curriculum links
English objectives
- Grammar: Indicate degrees of possibility using modal verbs
- Composition: Select appropriate vocabulary and explore synonyms to enhance meaning
- Writing: Use paragraphs to organise ideas, first person, present tense, present perfect tense
Cross-curricular connections
- PSHE: Understanding empathy and problem-solving
- Speaking and listening: Discussing scenarios and peer collaboration
Vocabulary
- Tier 2 words: autism, literally, guilty, agony, concern, advice, advise, remedy, deliver, solution
- Tier 3 words: agony aunt, formal letter, scenario card, annotated text, model text
- Common exception words: embarrass, sincerely, suggest
Resources included
- Model text “I’m worried about my brother” by Jon Mayhew (PDF: plain, illustrated, annotated)
- PowerPoint presentations (annotated and non-annotated)
- Agony aunt scenario cards
- Writing templates and margin planners
- Vocabulary match cards
- Lesson plans (two to three weeks)
- Writing skills checklists
Key teaching activities
- Familiarisation: Read and discuss the model text. Recap formal letter features and explore variations in greetings and closings.
- Writing a reply: Pupils write a letter as Aunty Pauline, suggesting solutions. Compare their responses with the model text.
- Vocabulary development: Identify Tier 2 and statutory spelling words in the text. Use match cards to reinforce meaning.
- Grammar practice: Select and use modal verbs to indicate degrees of possibility. Create a class collection of persuasive verbs.
- Composition: Choose formal vocabulary, explore synonyms, and practise emotive language. Rewrite sentences to enhance tone and meaning.
- Planning and drafting: Use scenario cards and margin planners to draft letters. Apply cohesion strategies such as adverbials and present perfect tense.
- Editing and proofreading: Use writing checklists to revise letters for structure, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Outcomes
By the end of this unit, pupils will:
- Identify and use features of formal letters, including greetings, closings, and paragraph organisation
- Select formal vocabulary and use modal verbs effectively
- Plan, write, and edit a letter to an agony aunt and a reply
- Apply cohesion strategies to link ideas within and between paragraphs
- Demonstrate understanding of grammar and vocabulary appropriate for Year 5