This KS2 narrative writing pack gives you everything you need to teach portal stories – a popular story type where characters travel through a portal into another world.
At the heart of the resource are two carefully written WAGOLLs (What A Good One Looks Like) that model the structure, language and key features of this genre. These model texts provide pupils with a strong foundation to analyse, imitate and build from in their own creative writing.
You can use this pack as the basis for a complete writing unit. Begin by exploring both model texts through shared reading and annotation. Pupils will examine how to structure portal stories, introduce settings and characters and use suspense, dialogue and description to move the story forward. They’ll then plan and write their own portal stories, using the planning sheet and success criteria for support.
Here’s what you can teach using this pack:
- How to identify the key features of portal stories
- How to describe contrasting settings (real-world vs portal world)
- How to create a clear story structure with build-up, conflict and resolution
- How to use dialogue, action and inner thought to develop character and plot
- How to write imaginatively using rich vocabulary and varied sentence structures
What’s included in the resource:
- Two portal story WAGOLLs – complete model texts showing how characters enter and explore a new world
- Feature checklists – to support text analysis and identify narrative techniques
- Portal story planning sheet – to help pupils map out their own stories
- Success criteria – aligned with the model texts, including genre-specific goals
Links to the KS2 English curriculum:
Pupils will practise planning and drafting fiction, using description to create atmosphere, developing character and setting, and editing their work for clarity and effect.