This Year 4 Real Writing unit is based on a model text by Loretta Schauer. Pupils read a newspaper article about the discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon artefacts ever found.
The text is available as plain, illustrated and annotated PDFs. PowerPoint presentations (annotated and non-annotated) support teaching.
Over two weeks, pupils explore homophones, homonyms and Standard English. Their final task is to write a newspaper report about an imagined new hoard. This unit links naturally to a history topic on the Anglo-Saxons.
Curriculum links
English objectives
- Use a dictionary to check spelling and meaning
- Apply Standard English in speech and writing
- Write sentences using homophones and homonyms
- Punctuate direct speech correctly
- Use expanded noun phrases
- Incorporate fronted adverbials
- Apply simple organisational devices
- Use nouns and pronouns to avoid repetition
Cross-curricular links
- History: Anglo-Saxons and archaeology
- Geography: mapping locations of historical discoveries
Vocabulary
- Tier 2 words: fine, fragment, nestle, notify, ornate
- Tier 3 words: Anglo-Saxon, archaeologist, artefact, conservation, devotional, excavate, excavation, haul, hoard
- Common exception words: believe, century, describe, earth, extremely, important, recently, surprise, thought, weight
Resources included
- Model text PDF (plain, illustrated, annotated)
- Annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations
- Teaching slides and activity sheets
- Word cards for vocabulary activities
- How to write a newspaper recount poster
- 5Ws planning worksheet
- Newspaper article margin planner
- Writing skills check
Key teaching activities
Phase 1 – Familiarisation
- Explore Staffordshire Hoard website to view artefacts
- Read the model text; identify newspaper features, tense, headline, byline, and 5Ws
- Highlight new vocabulary; use context and word cards to understand meaning
- Sequence events with cards; practise oral retelling using adverbials of time
- Role-play diary recount as Terry Herbert; challenge confident writers with multiple perspectives
Phase 2 – Teaching and rehearsing
- Investigate fronted adverbials: usage, punctuation and effect in model text
- Identify nouns and pronouns that avoid repetition
- Practise dictionary skills and Standard English exercises
Phase 3 – Application
- Research and plan ideas for a new Anglo-Saxon hoard using 5Ws worksheet
- Plan newspaper article with margin planner
- Draft article over several sessions
- Proofread and edit regularly using writing skills check; focus on spelling, punctuation, cohesion
Outcomes
By the end of this unit, pupils will:
- Write a structured newspaper article recounting an imagined discovery
- Use expanded noun phrases, fronted adverbials and cohesive devices effectively
- Demonstrate accurate spelling of statutory, Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary
- Apply Standard English consistently in speech and writing
- Sequence events clearly in chronological order