This fully resourced Year 2 reading comprehension unit focuses on the text Diary of a Paramedic. This is an original piece of fictional writing by children's author Lucy Strange.
The story is told through the eyes of Emily, a paramedic working a night shift. Join her as she responds to an emergency call involving a newborn baby. With its warm, human tone and real-life context, the text helps children explore themes of care, responsibility and empathy. It also acts as a model (WAGOLL) for diary writing in Key Stage 1.
The pack includes plain and illustrated versions of the text in PDF format, as well as two PowerPoint versions (with and without highlights) for whole-class display.
An annotated version of the text supports close reading, with teacher prompts showing where to pause for clarification, visualisation, drama or discussion.
The resource includes two teaching sequences. Each one builds vocabulary and deepens understanding of the text. In Part 1, pupils explore the word equipment, looking at its meaning, usage and connections. In Part 2, they investigate homophones, using PowerPoint slides and matching tasks to build understanding and use new words in context.
Every teaching sequence is supported by a Vocabulary Focus PowerPoint, a Big Questions worksheet, and a Big Questions PowerPoint to guide reflective discussion.
To extend comprehension, the pack includes additional worksheets. Pupils will complete a timeline activity to understand text structure, create a ‘Role on the Wall’ for Emily to explore character, and revisit the full story through Difficult Easy questions and a personal response letter written in role.
This unit forms part of the Real Comprehension programme, which develops deeper understanding through high-quality texts from Year 1 to Year 6.
This Year 2 reading comprehension pack includes:
- Full teaching notes, including suggested reading strategies, discussion prompts and ways to support prior knowledge
- Diary of a Paramedic by Lucy Strange – PDF versions (plain, illustrated, annotated)
- PowerPoint versions of the text – with and without highlights
- Annotated teacher version with close reading prompts
- Vocabulary Focus PowerPoints
- Big Questions PowerPoints and worksheets
- Images of paramedics and ambulances for display or discussion
- Difficult Easy questions (whole text)
- Personal response worksheet – write a thank-you letter in role