Writing the first section of the climax of 'A Kind of Spark'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the first section of the climax of ‘A Kind of Spark’, adopting Addie’s perspective and using a range of language features.
Key learning points
- We are writing a narrative that includes switches in perspective and tense.
- In this lesson, we will write only a present tense, first person paragraph in role as Addie.
- Because we are in role as Addie, we may use some informal language features like short sentences and contractions.
- We will also want to include the full range of sentence structures and punctuation.
- Orally rehearsing our writing helps us to be prepared to write.
Keywords
First person - the 'I/we' perspective
Present tense - shows the action is happening now
Informal language - language that is more similar to spoken language
Oral rehearsal - saying the words you plan to write out loud in order to make the writing process easier
Common misconception
Pupils may confuse this first person writing with internal monologue and focus only on Addie's thoughts.
Here, we haven't used the term 'internal monologue' because we are describing events and observations from Addie's perspective and not just thoughts.
Teacher tip
The writing has not been modelled here in order to promote independent writing; if you are using this piece for teacher assessment purposes, then you should refer to local and national guidance regarding the level of teacher input that is appropriate.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If we are writing in the first person and in the present tense, what part of our narrative are we writing?
Q2.Which of these are true of the flashbacks in our narrative?
Q3.Put these parts of Addie's speech in order.
Q4.What is the purpose of the 'trigger' in our narrative?
Q5.Which of these sentences might be from the first person, present tense sections of our narrative?
Q6.Which part of the narrative will have the most positive mood?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these are features of our writing in this lesson only?
Q2.Which section of our text have we completed so far?
Q3.Which sentence uses the first person and present tense?
Q4.Which of the following are shown in this passage? 'I grit my teeth and look down at Mum and Dad; they are holding hands and smiling up at me nervously.'
Q5.Which of the following are informal language features that we might see in our first person sections?
Q6.What important feature is shown in the following sentence? 'With a gulp, I look down at the word 'Maggie' which is written on my hand ...'.
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the first section of the climax of 'A Kind of Spark', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the first section of the climax of 'A Kind of Spark', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'A Kind of Spark': narrative writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.