a piece of writing that recalls an event or experience

Analysing the features of diary entries

English

In this unit, pupils learned how to switch between present and past tense in a diary entry. In the 'The Firework Maker's Daughter' diary writing unit, pupils will develop their skills of switching between tenses fluently.

In the Persuasive letters unit, pupils learned to write in character using first person. In this unit, pupils developed their skills of writing in character, focusing on describing emotions in detail.

In this unit, pupils write a diary entry based on the picture book 'The Journey' by Francesca Sanna. Pupils use the book as a starting point from which they write a diary entry, focusing on using the first person perspective consistently and practising the skill of varying tense accurately.

'The Journey': diary writing

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

to recount important personal experiences and express feelings

Put the following in the order they appear in a diary entry.

distinctive qualities or characteristics of something

a personal book that an individual writes in

Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.

Which tense does the writer use when recounting in a diary entry?

Which of the following supports the sequencing of events chronologically?

when the writer is recounting past events

when the writer is expressing how they are currently feeling

When does a diary entry shift into present tense?

writing about things that are going to happen

writing from the perspective of the person involved

writing about yourself and calling yourself by your name

What does writing in the 'first person' mean?

the parts or characteristics that make something unique

a fictional tale involving magical creatures

a private book where someone records their personal experiences and feelings

a non-fiction text providing information to others

Which of these words might a writer use when writing in the first person?

A diary greeting normally starts with which word?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Analysing the features of diary entries

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.