Writing the first half of the build-up of 'Beowulf and the dragon'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the first half of the build-up of ‘Beowulf and the dragon’, using a range of narrative elements and a range of cohesive devices to connect ideas.
Key learning points
- As we write, we aim to include a range of narrative elements and to connect ideas using a range of cohesive devices.
- A range of types of complex sentence - adverbial, relative and non-finite (-ing) - can be used as cohesive devices.
- Colons and semi-colons are also useful cohesive devices.
- We can orally rehearse our ideas prior to writing in order to make it easier when we come to write.
Keywords
Narrative elements - the content of a narrative, often including action, description, dialogue and emotions
Cohesive devices - language structures that develop text cohesion
Complex sentence - a sentence formed of at least one main clause and a subordinate clause
Oral rehearsal - practising saying ideas for sentences out loud before you write them
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that their oral rehearsal has to be perfect or excessively detailed.
The oral rehearsal is a first attempt; it may not be perfect. It reduces the cognitive load when writing, allowing extra details to be added more easily.
Teacher tip
A slide is left intentionally lined for you to complete shared writing with your class. Model considering different ways of connecting ideas with different cohesive devices. You can find lessons on every cohesive device in our grammar curriculum.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these examples of rich vocabulary could be used to describe the stronghold in 'Beowulf and the dragon'?
Q2.Which of these examples of rich vocabulary could be used to describe parts of the dragon in 'Beowulf and the dragon'?
Q3.Which events below are part of the build-up of 'Beowulf and the dragon'?
Q4.What have we already done to prepare to write 'Beowulf and the dragon'?
Q5.Which of the following are narrative elements that we use in our writing?
Q6.Which narrative element is used here? 'The dragon swooped low over the stronghold.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which narrative element is used here? 'The palisades were blackened and the charred remains of the mead-hall were still smouldering.'
Q2.Which narrative element is used here? 'The dragon swooped down from the sky, belching fire.'
Q3.Which type of complex sentence is used as a cohesive device in the following sentence? 'Calling his warriors together, Beowulf explained that he would defeat the dragon alone.'
Q4.Which type of complex sentence is used as a cohesive device in the following sentence? 'When neighbouring countries attacked, his warriors repelled them with ease.'
Q5.In which of these sentences has the semi-colon been used correctly as a cohesive device?
Q6.In which of these sentences has the colon been used correctly as a cohesive device?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the first half of the build-up of 'Beowulf and the dragon', 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 half of the build-up of 'Beowulf and the dragon', 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 'Beowulf': narrative writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.