This Year 4 unit from our Real Writing curriculum is built around an original model text by children's author Ross Montgomery. It explains Fairtrade, its origins and how it supports farmers worldwide.
The text is available as PDF in plain, illustrated and annotated versions. PowerPoint slides, annotated and non-annotated, are included.
Over two weeks, pupils explore subordinate clauses to create multi-clause sentences and practise possessive apostrophes with plural nouns. They will write their own explanation texts describing trade links and Fairtrade product distribution.
The unit links naturally to geography topics such as trade, food or chocolate.
Vocabulary
- Tier 2 words: exploitation, fair, fund, guarantee, poverty, profit
- Tier 3 words: commerce, commercial, consumer, developing country, ethical, produce, producer, sustainable
- Common exception words: business, enough, interest
Resources included
- Model text PDFs: plain, illustrated, annotated
- PowerPoint presentations: annotated and non-annotated
- Vocabulary cards for Tier 2, Tier 3 and spelling words
- Activity sheets: apostrophes, subordinating conjunctions, present perfect practice, adverbials
- Planning sheets: margin planner, Fairtrade: from producer to consumer worksheet
- Writing skills check posters
Key teaching activities
- Hook activity: Pupils sort Fairtrade and non-Fairtrade packaging, discuss the symbol and share findings.
- Model text reading: Identify text type, headings, paragraphs and tense. Annotate key features.
- Vocabulary development: Explore Tier 2, Tier 3 and spelling words using match and inference activities.
- Paragraph structure: Identify topic sentences, summarise paragraphs and share key points.
- Grammar focus: Teach possessive apostrophes for plural nouns; extend sentences with subordinate clauses.
- Verb forms and adverbials: Revisit present perfect verbs, identify adverbials, and apply in writing.
- Research and planning: Investigate Fairtrade goods, map trade links, plan own explanation using headings and structured margin planner.
- Writing and editing: Draft explanation over several sessions, proofread using writing skills check, peer review and refine work.
- Persuasive application: Debate Fairtrade use in school and write a letter to the headteacher.
Outcomes
By the end of this unit, pupils will be able to:
- Write clear explanatory texts using headings and organised paragraphs
- Apply subordinate clauses to vary sentence structure
- Use the possessive apostrophe accurately for singular and plural nouns
- Incorporate Tier 2, Tier 3 and common exception words correctly
- Plan, draft, proofread and edit written explanations
- Understand Fairtrade concepts and trade links, linking learning to geography