Use this resource pack to teach pupils how to write postcards recounting a holiday, real or imagined. Pupils will begin by reading two model WAGOLL texts which demonstrate how to:
- recount events in the past tense
- organise ideas in order
- use adjectives to create expanded noun phrases
- include time adverbials to sequence events
Pupils will then plan and write their own postcards, applying these techniques to describe a place they have visited or studied in class. This resource works well alongside geography topics, giving pupils the opportunity to describe physical and human features of a location.
A postcard is a type of recount written in the past tense. It usually starts with ‘Dear…’ or ‘To…’, is written in the first person, shows how the writer feels, and ends with ‘Love from…’ or ‘From…’. Pupils can learn these features while reading the WAGOLLs, noticing sentence structure, descriptive language and the order of events.
What’s included
- Model text 1 – Wish You Were Here!
A WAGOLL postcard from Cornwall, written by a child to their best friend. It shows how to describe daily events, use adjectives to create expanded noun phrases and include time adverbials. - Model text 2 – Hello Gran
A WAGOLL postcard recounting a holiday in Scotland, illustrating similar features and showing how to describe landscapes, weather and experiences. - Postcard writing sheet
Contains success criteria, examples of time adverbials and guidance on using adjectives to create expanded noun phrases. - Postcard ideas sheet – Describing places
A worksheet for pupils to collect information about their chosen location, including physical and human features, weather and activities. - Postcard writing plan
A worksheet for pupils to plan and structure their postcard, sequencing events clearly. - Writing paper
Themed sheets presented as a postcard, allowing pupils to write their message on one side and draw a picture of the location on the other.
Curriculum links
Year 1: Say out loud what they are going to write, compose sentences orally before writing, and sequence sentences to recount events.
Year 2: Write for a range of purposes, plan ideas before writing, use expanded noun phrases to add detail and organise events in order.
This resource gives pupils a structured framework to write postcards confidently, practise descriptive language, sequence events clearly and communicate personal experiences in first person.