This Year 1 writing unit is part of our Real Writing collection and is built around an original poem by published children’s author Joshua Seigal, describing a variety of toys. The model text is available as a PDF in three versions (plain, illustrated and annotated), with annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations to support teaching.
Vocabulary cards for Tier 2 words, common exception word flashcards, story maps, planning sheets and writing sheets are included, along with teacher guidance for every stage, from familiarisation to independent writing.
In this unit, pupils will explore how adjectives can describe nouns and learn to identify plural forms. They'll practise leaving finger spaces between words and using exclamation marks to show excitement and delight.
Pupils will create their own poem about toys, applying the writing skills they have developed. This unit links to topics in history and design technology, providing opportunities to explore toys from the past and discuss materials, function and play.
Key curriculum skills
Four fully resourced lessons cover these Year 1 English objectives:
Vocabulary – adding the suffix -s to create plural nouns
Pupils learn when and how to add -s to form plurals and identify singular and plural nouns.
Vocabulary – using adjectives to describe
Pupils explore adjectives to describe toys. They orally compose sentences using descriptive language, considering appearance, material and texture.
Punctuation – leaving spaces between words
Pupils understand the importance of finger spaces and practise writing clear sentences about toys using appropriate spacing.
Punctuation – using exclamation marks
Pupils learn to use exclamation marks to show excitement and delight, writing sentences about receiving or playing with toys.
Additional teaching points include saying aloud what they will write, combining words into sentences and reading their own writing aloud.
Vocabulary and resources
The unit includes Tier 2 words such as: soft, fast, spin, bounce, cord, scaly, dainty, fluffy, slash, bendy, gleaming, row, boulders and cubes.
Common exception words include: the, a, push, pull and go.
Resources include vocabulary cards, CEW flashcards, story maps, planning sheets, writing sheets and step-by-step teacher guidance.
Activities and outcomes
Teachers guide pupils through an exploration of toys, reading and performing the poem, identifying adjectives and plural nouns, and planning their own poem.
Pupils will create illustrations, collect descriptive vocabulary and write their poems with clear spacing and punctuation.
By the end of the unit, pupils will confidently use adjectives, form plurals, leave finger spaces and use exclamation marks in their writing. They will also gain experience performing poetry aloud, enhancing fluency, expression and engagement.