This Year 2 Real Writing unit is built around a fictional recount from the point of view of a female engineer, written by published author Jo Franklin.
Pupils explore the features of a recount and sequence events using provided resources. They practise spelling words with the /j/ sound spelt with a ‘g’ and extend sentences using subordinating conjunctions.
The children will write their own recount about a professional after exploring what their job entails. The unit spans two to three weeks of detailed lesson planning.
Curriculum links
English objectives
- Spell words with the /j/ sound spelt as g before e, i and y
- Use subordinating conjunctions to extend sentences
- Punctuate sentences correctly
- Use apostrophes for contractions
- Write in the past tense
- Reread and proofread for sense, spelling, grammar and punctuation
- Read aloud their own writing
Cross-curricular links
- Design technology: connecting writing to understanding professions
- STEM: applying technical vocabulary and exploring real-life professions
Vocabulary
Tier 2 words: accurate, double glazing, lift, plank, profession, professional, satellites, skyscraper, solutions
Tier 3 words: angles, calculations, engineer, installation, measurement, pulley
Common exception words: could, should, would, because, every, last, old, door, many
Resources included
- Model text PDF in three versions: plain, illustrated and annotated
- PowerPoint presentations: annotated and non-annotated
- Recount planning sheets
- Sequencing sentence cards
- Writer’s craft instruction sheet
- Vocabulary cards (Tier 2, Tier 3, CEWs)
- Role on the Wall worksheet
- ‘If I were an engineer’ writing worksheet
- Writer’s checklist for self-assessment
Key teaching activities
Phase 1: Familiarisation
- Show images of people in different professions; discuss job roles and responsibilities
- Read the model text aloud; identify features of a recount
- Explore new vocabulary using word cards and matching activities
- Map and sequence events in the text using planning sheets or sequencing cards
Phase 2: Teaching and rehearsing
- Teach spelling rules for the /j/ sound spelt with ‘g’
- Model using subordinating conjunctions to extend sentences
- Revisit common exception words and practise reading and spelling
- Identify question and exclamation marks in the text; discuss their purpose
Phase 3: Application
- Generate ideas for writing about a profession, using research or interviews
- Plan a first-person recount using planning sheets and writer’s craft instructions
- Write a recount using the plan and apply skills taught throughout the unit
- Check and self-assess writing using the writer’s checklist; read aloud for sense and fluency
Outcomes
By the end of the unit, pupils will:
- Understand and identify the features of a recount
- Spell /j/ sound words correctly and use subordinating conjunctions
- Use correct punctuation, including apostrophes and sentence punctuation
- Plan, draft and write a coherent first-person recount about a professional
- Apply vocabulary from STEM and everyday contexts accurately
- Read aloud and self-assess their writing confidently