This KS2 writing resource gives pupils the tools to explore personification and use it to enhance their descriptive writing.
At the heart of the pack is a WAGOLL (What A Good One Looks Like) model text – Stopping to Notice. This is a beautifully written description of a hedgerow that brings the natural world to life. Pupils will see how personification and sensory detail can work together to create powerful imagery.
You can use this resource to guide pupils through reading the model text, identifying writing techniques, generating vocabulary and planning their own descriptive pieces. Pupils can base their writing on a class novel, a cross-curricular topic or use the included image cards of nature scenes as inspiration.
The model text includes strong examples of personification (e.g. “the leaves gather to gossip about me”, “the Sun’s warming embrace”), as well as expanded noun phrases, similes and sensory language. Support materials help pupils understand and apply these techniques in their own work.
Supporting resources
What’s included in this KS2 descriptive writing resource pack?
- WAGOLL model text: Stopping to Notice
A detailed description of a hedgerow using personification and vivid sensory imagery. Includes a feature checklist for pupils to explore what makes the writing effective. - Descriptive writing sheet
A success criteria guide that highlights the use of senses, personification and expanded noun phrases, with clear examples from the text. - Planning sheet
A worksheet that helps pupils choose what to describe and plan how to include personification and sensory language. - Natural world image cards
A set of nature images to inspire descriptive writing on similar themes. - Themed writing paper
Use this for pupils to publish their final work. - Teacher notes
Guidance on how to structure lessons using the resources, with suggestions for classroom use and cross-curricular links.
Curriculum links
This pack supports key writing objectives from Years 3 to 6. Pupils will:
- Read and discuss high-quality examples to learn from structure, vocabulary and grammar
- Plan and draft their writing by collecting ideas and orally rehearsing sentences
- Use personification and other figurative language to enhance meaning
- Edit and improve their writing by checking the effect on the reader
With this resource, you can teach pupils how to use personification purposefully and creatively, helping them build confidence and precision in their descriptive writing.