This Year 4 Real Writing unit is based on an original model explanation text by children's author Jo Franklin.
Pupils explore explanatory writing focused on sun safety. The model text is available in PDF (plain, illustrated, annotated) and as PowerPoint slides.
Over two weeks, pupils investigate the prefix ‘pre-’ and learn to organise paragraphs around themes. They create their own safety leaflet, explaining how to stay safe on the beach, in the kitchen, or other situations.
Curriculum links
- English objectives: Adding the prefix ‘pre-’, organising paragraphs around a theme, using a range of sentence types, conjunctions, fronted adverbials, nouns and pronouns.
- Other subjects: PSHE (safety awareness), Science (Sun, ultraviolet rays, Vitamin D), cross-curricular vocabulary development.
Vocabulary
- Tier 2: apply, benefit, essential, indicate, precaution, prevent
- Tier 3: premature, radiation, ray, solar, ultraviolet, Vitamin D, wave
- Common exception words: although, caught, different, early, earth, important, notice, particularly, remember, through
Resources
- Model text PDF (plain, illustrated, annotated)
- Annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint slides
- Vocabulary cards (Tier 2, Tier 3, statutory spelling)
- Activity sheets for comprehension, vocabulary, and writing tasks
- Margin planners and information cards for safety themes
Activities
- Hook: Bring in items associated with sunny weather. Discuss usage and create group lists.
- Read the model text: Identify features, headings, paragraphs, tense, and structure. Annotate the text to highlight key elements.
- Vocabulary exploration: Match words to meanings, find examples in the text, complete vocabulary activities.
- Comprehension: Recall key information, infer meaning, discuss the effect of pronouns.
- Discussing ideas: Brainstorm other safety themes. Record ideas and orally rehearse sentences with conjunctions and adverbs.
- Plan writing: Use the margin planner to organise headings and paragraphs for the safety leaflet.
- Writing an explanation: Draft, proofread, and edit leaflets using writing skills check, focusing on pronouns, paragraph structure, and vocabulary.
Outcomes
By the end of the unit, pupils will:
- Write a coherent safety leaflet with clear headings and well-structured paragraphs
- Use the prefix ‘pre-’ accurately in context
- Demonstrate a range of sentence types and conjunctions
- Apply fronted adverbials and pronouns correctly
- Use Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary to explain information clearly