This Year 4 Real Writing unit uses an original model text by Ross Montgomery.
Pupils explore a defeating the monster story set in Roman Britain, with the option to base their narrative on Hadrian’s Wall.
The children develop vocabulary, grammar and narrative structure skills before producing their own stories. The unit spans two to three weeks and follows a carefully mapped framework.
English objectives
- Add further prefixes to words: auto-, super-, anti-, mis-
- Punctuate direct speech, including the use of reporting clauses
- Develop expanded noun phrases
- Use fronted adverbials effectively
- Show singular possession using apostrophes and contracted forms
- Describe characters and settings
Cross-curricular links
History (Roman Britain, Hadrian’s Wall, Roman Empire)
Resources included
- Model text PDF (plain, illustrated, annotated)
- PowerPoint slides (annotated and non-annotated)
- Teacher notes with full teaching sequence
- Activity sheets for vocabulary, grammar, planning and writing
- ‘How to write a defeating the monster story’ poster
- Margin planners for story mapping
- Writing skills checklists
Vocabulary
- Tier 2 words: antisocial, culprit, lure, lurk, misfortune, plummet, pompous, ransack, sodden, stalk, superstructure
- Tier 3 words: barracks, Britannia, Caledonia, centurion, legion, outpost, tunic
- Common exception words: appear, caught, enough, favourite, guard, quarters, separate
Key teaching activities
- Hook: Introduce Hadrian’s Wall using images and group research to set historical context
- Read and discuss model text: Identify narrative structure, problem and resolution, and how the monster is presented
- Vocabulary work: Explore Tier 2 and 3 words, and statutory spelling words through matching and inference activities
- Comprehension questions: Recall, vocabulary, and inference questions based on the model text
- Writing rehearsal: Role play, discuss character feelings, explore fronted adverbials and expanded noun phrases
- Planning and drafting: Use margin planners to structure individual defeating the monster stories
- Editing and sharing: Proofread and edit writing using checklists, focusing on spelling, punctuation and narrative clarity; read stories aloud to enhance meaning
Outcomes
By the end of the unit, pupils will:
- Write a narrative set in Roman Britain, following the defeating the monster structure
- Use prefixes to extend vocabulary accurately
- Punctuate direct speech confidently, using reporting clauses
- Expand sentences using adjectives, prepositional phrases, and fronted adverbials
- Apply apostrophes correctly for possession and contractions
- Demonstrate comprehension of historical and literary context through story content