This Year 2 Real Writing unit follows a carefully mapped framework and uses an original non-chronological report by published author Dan Smith.
Over two to three weeks, pupils study the features of non-chronological reports, learning to organise information using clear subheadings. They practise forming comparative and superlative adjectives with the suffixes -er and -est and explore sentence types including statements, questions and exclamations.
Pupils apply these skills to write sentences about animals before producing their own non-chronological report, integrating research and descriptive language.
The children proofread their work for spelling, punctuation and grammar, read aloud to check meaning and flow, and use common exception words correctly.
The unit also connects to science and geography, giving pupils opportunities to classify animals, explore habitats and investigate where animals live around the world.
Resources included
- PDF model text (three versions)
- Annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint slides
- Vocabulary cards and matching activities
- Animal image cards and research sheets
- Non-chronological report planning sheets
- Writer’s checklist
- Teaching slides and activity sheets
- CEW cards
Curriculum links
- Comparative and superlative adjectives using -er and -est
- Sentence types: statements, questions, exclamations
- Noun phrases and present-tense writing
- Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions
- Proof-reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation skills
- Science: classifying animals and exploring habitats
- Geography: linking animals to locations around the world
Vocabulary focus
- Tier 2 words: common, communication, disease, emotion, malaria, microscope, radiation, smartest, survivalist
- Tier 3 words: amphibian, bird, carnivore, fish, herbivore, mammal, omnivore, predator, prey, reptile
- Common exception words: find, mind, wild, most, cold, fast, move, every, could, because, even, eye
Key teaching activities
- Explore animal images and discuss classification groups
- Read the model text and identify key features and subheadings
- Introduce and practise Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary
- Sort information under subheadings using organising cards
- Map the model text and orally retell as a report or presentation
- Research chosen animals and record findings using research sheets
- Plan and rehearse non-chronological reports using planning sheets
- Draft reports using notes and subheadings
- Read aloud and proof-read for spelling, punctuation and grammar
Outcomes
By the end of this unit, pupils will:
- Produce a non-chronological report about animals, using researched information
- Use comparative and superlative adjectives with -er and -est accurately
- Write statements, questions and exclamations to convey information clearly
- Organise information effectively under subheadings
- Select vocabulary appropriate for the subject and purpose
- Proof-read writing for spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Read back their work with confidence and accuracy