Writing a narrative opening based on 'How To Train Your Dragon'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a plan to write the opening of a narrative based on ‘How To Train Your Dragon’.
Key learning points
- The purpose of the opening is to engage the reader and introduce characters and plot.
- Using a range of linguistic features helps achieve the text's purpose.
- We have learned about three types of complex sentence: adverbial, relative and non-finite.
- Using a range of sentence types in narrative writing enhances text cohesion and keeps the reader engaged.
- Powerful, precise vocabulary choices engage the reader and help create atmosphere.
Keywords
Atmosphere - the mood created in a section or the whole of a text
Linguistic features - structures of language that use words
Complex sentence - a sentence composed of a main clause and any type of subordinate clause
Common misconception
Pupils may not have a clear understanding of sentence types.
This is explicitly taught in Learning Cycle 1 and pupils are tasked with finding each type of complex sentence in a model opening.
Teacher tip
Give pupils opportunities to share vocabulary ideas and add to a working wall of ambitious vocabulary in the classroom. Thesaurus work can also be useful for finding synonyms of certain words that will frequently occur in the opening.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Select linguistic features appropriate for a narrative opening from the list:
Q2.Select the adjectives most suitable to describe a dragon in this scene.
Q3.Identify the purpose of the opening.
Q4.Select the definition of a paragraph:
Q5.A complex sentence is formed of a main clause and any type of...
Q6.Identify the non-finite complex sentence from the list:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions:
Q2.Order the plot events of the opening section.
Q3.Match the sentence types to their examples.
Q4.Identify the subordinating conjunction in this sentence: Chaos erupted whilst the ferocious beasts preyed on the villagers’ livestock.
Q5.Identifying the progressive verb in this non-finite complex sentence: Brave villagers fought the huge demons with all their might, howling in fury.
Q6.Identify the relative pronoun in this relative complex sentence: With enraged roars, flames erupted from the dragons’ mouths, which engulfed homes in fiery destruction.
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Writing a narrative opening based on 'How To Train Your Dragon', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Writing a narrative opening based on 'How To Train Your 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 'How to Train Your Dragon': diary and narrative writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.