This Year 6 writing unit from our Real Writing collection is built around an original model text by published children’s author Joshua Seigal. The unit focuses on a poem in which a child imagines being different Greek gods.
Pupils will explore the poem’s structure, including its repeated phrases and the use of the subjunctive form, before writing their own imaginative poem. The example text is available as a PDF in three versions – plain, illustrated and annotated – and includes both annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations.
The unit is designed to be taught over two weeks and follows a carefully mapped framework. There are detailed lesson plans, linking English objectives with wider topics such as Ancient Greek history, mythology and cultural understanding.
Pupils will read the model poem, analyse its language and structure and then plan and write their own daydreaming poems based on Greek gods or other chosen themes.
Curriculum links and objectives
This unit covers key Year 6 English objectives and revisits important prior skills:
- Vocabulary: Pupils learn how words are related by meaning as synonyms. They'll practise matching synonyms, discuss subtle differences in meaning and apply precise word choices when describing Greek gods and their powers.
- Grammar: Pupils explore the subjunctive form to express wishes and desires. They'll sort examples, rewrite sentences and write poems using this grammatical structure.
- Revisited skills: Using modal verbs, subordinating conjunctions and contracted words.
- Cross-curricular links: The unit complements topics on Ancient Greece, mythology and classical culture.
Vocabulary
Year 5/6 statutory spelling words: lightning
Tier 2 words: command, lair, revel, succulent, orchestrate, skewer
Resources
- Model text PDF (plain, illustrated, annotated)
- PowerPoint presentations (annotated and non-annotated)
- Vocabulary cards and activity sheets
- Greek gods image cards
- Margin planner and writing skills check
Key teaching activities
Begin by reading the poem aloud to model intonation, volume and expression. Pupils can discuss the poem’s meaning and their own daydreams, identifying repeating phrases and the use of the subjunctive form.
Vocabulary is highlighted and explored through word cards and matching activities. Pupils will analyse the poem to understand how the author conveys attributes of the gods and the effects of repeated structures.
They'll then plan and write their own stanzas, using image cards to inspire ideas and practising precise vocabulary. Throughout the unit, pupils will rehearse and perform the poem, developing their voice and confidence in presentation.
Outcomes
By the end of the unit, pupils will:
- Understand and use the subjunctive form in writing
- Apply synonyms and precise vocabulary to enhance description
- Identify and replicate poetic structures and repeated phrases
- Write and perform their own imaginative daydreaming poem about Greek gods or other chosen themes
- Demonstrate improved confidence in planning, drafting, editing and presenting their writing
This unit provides a rich, engaging way to combine creative writing with cultural and historical understanding, while developing essential Year 6 English skills.