Real Writing Year 2 - Unit 9
Model text: A Day in the Life of an Engineer by Jo Franklin
Curriculum links: STEM, design technology
Unit overview
This writing unit for Year 2 is built around an original text by Jo Franklin - a fictional recount from the point of view of a female engineer. The example text is available as a PDF in three versions (plain, illustrated and annotated); annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations are also included.
In this two-week unit, pupils will learn the features of a recount and will sequence the events in the text using resources provided. Pupils will learn the spelling rules for words that include the /j/ sound when spelt with a ‘g’. Pupils will also use subordinating conjunctions to extend sentences. They will write their own recount of a professional after learning about what their job entails. This unit gives pupils the opportunity to write for a range of purposes and could be used as part of a design technology unit.
Key curriculum skills
Two fully-resourced lessons are included for the following Year 1 English objectives, which can form part of the unit or be taught discretely:
1. Vocabulary: to spell words with the /j/ sound spelt as g before e, i and y
Pupils will: learn that the sound /j/ is spelt with a ‘g’ when followed by an ‘e’, ‘i’ or ‘y’. They will read and spell words, applying spelling rules taught.
2. Grammar: to use subordinating conjunctions
Pupils will: learn that the words because, when, if and that are subordinating conjunctions and how they can be used to extend sentences.
Additional teaching points to teach or revisit:
- punctuating sentences
- to use an apostrophe for contraction
- writing in the past tense
- rereading writing to check that it makes sense
- proof-reading to check for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation
- reading aloud what they have written
Year 2 words: featured vocabulary
Common exception words: could should would because every last old door many
Tier 2 words: accurate, double glazing, lift, plank, profession, professional, satellites, skyscraper, solutions