This engaging Year 1 writing unit from our Real Writing collection invites pupils to explore language, senses and creativity through poetry. Written by published children’s author Joshua Seigal, the model text is a charming list poem about autumn.
It provides an ideal springboard for helping pupils use sensory details and descriptive vocabulary to express what they notice and feel about the seasons.
All Real Writing units follow a carefully mapped framework, including two to three weeks of detailed lesson planning, complete with PowerPoint slides, activity sheets and teacher notes.
Resources also include three PDF versions of the model text (plain, illustrated and annotated) and annotated or non-annotated presentations to support flexible teaching.
Curriculum links
This unit meets key Year 1 English objectives and also links effectively with geography and science. Pupils will develop their understanding of seasonal changes while exploring how writers use sensory language.
In geography, they can observe weather patterns and landscapes in different seasons. In science, they'll learn to identify and describe what they can see, hear, smell, touch and taste – deepening both literacy and scientific vocabulary.
Vocabulary focus
Pupils will explore a rich mix of Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary to build precision in their writing. Tier 2 words include rustling, tenderly, gleaming, palm, crackles and gleeful – descriptive choices that strengthen imagery and tone.
Tier 3 words, such as see, scent, feel, hear, taste, smell and touch, connect directly to the senses.
Common exception words (I, my, the, they, of) are revisited regularly, helping pupils read and spell them confidently in context.
Key teaching activities
Begin with an autumn walk to gather sensory experiences. Pupils will record what they can see, hear, smell and feel, then use these observations to inspire their writing.
Next, the class will read Joshua Seigal’s Autumn poem together, identifying how he uses adjectives and senses to describe the season. Vocabulary cards help pupils understand and apply new words. They'll complete matching activities, annotate the model text and practise reading aloud with expression.
As the sequence progresses, pupils will plan and write their own list poems about autumn or another season. They'll learn to:
- divide words into syllables
- use adjectives to describe nouns
- leave spaces between words
They'll also rehearse saying sentences aloud before writing, punctuate using capital letters and full stops, and read their finished work to others.
Resources included
- Model text by Joshua Seigal (PDF and PowerPoint)
- Teaching slides and activity sheets
- Word cards for Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary
- Common exception word cards
- Autumn image cards and analysis sheets
- Planning and writing templates
Pupil outcomes
By the end of this unit, pupils will write their own simple, sensory list poems about autumn or a chosen season. They will demonstrate control of spacing, punctuation and basic grammar, use adjectives confidently and apply new vocabulary in context.
Through reading, performing and writing poetry, they will grow as young writers who enjoy experimenting with words and expressing what they notice in the world around them.