This writing pack gives you everything you need to teach setting description across KS2. It includes two WAGOLL texts, scaffolded planning sheets, image-based inspiration and differentiated writing frames. These make it easy to model effective writing, develop vocabulary and build pupils’ confidence in describing setting, weather, time and atmosphere.
You can use A Windy Day with Years 3 and 4 to introduce setting description through a short narrative about a stormy forest scene. The model text combines sensory detail, time references and figurative language such as similes and personification. Pupils can analyse the language, identify key features and discuss what the setting reveals.
For upper KS2, use New World – a portal story extract that introduces a mysterious and magical landscape. Pupils meet unusual creatures and explore a richly described environment using sight, sound, movement and speech. This WAGOLL shows how to build atmosphere, link ideas across paragraphs using adverbials and use dialogue to shape the scene.
Supporting resources
This pack includes:
- Two model texts: A Windy Day (LKS2) and New World (UKS2)
- Two differentiated writing sheets with success criteria and grammar focus (present perfect for LKS2, adverbials for UKS2)
- Setting description planning sheet to help pupils organise their ideas using prompts about time of day, weather, sensory details and atmosphere
- Setting image cards to inspire descriptive writing
- Themed writing paper for final presentation
- Teacher notes with tips on how to get the most from each resource
National Curriculum focus for Years 3–6:
- Explore model texts to understand structure, vocabulary and grammar
- Plan and organise ideas for narrative writing
- Describe settings using sensory detail and figurative language
- Use grammar purposefully (e.g. fronted adverbials, present perfect, linking paragraphs)
- Create atmosphere and develop plot through description and dialogue
With engaging WAGOLLs and structured support, this pack makes it easy to teach setting description in a purposeful and creative way.