Writing a section of a narrative based on 'The Borrowers'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a section of the build-up of 'The Borrowers'.
Key learning points
- In this section of the build-up, suspense is built around Arrietty setting off on her first borrowing expedition.
- The use of precise and ambitious vocabulary, including ‘show and tell’ language supports the building of suspense.
- Using a range of sentence types, including adverbial complex sentences, supports text flow.
- An adverbial clause begins with a subordinating conjunction.
- An adverbial clause is joined with a main clause to form an adverbial complex sentence.
Keywords
Suspense - when you are feeling anxious or excited about what may happen
'show and tell' - a writing technique for showing a character’s feelings with description of their actions and expressions
Subordinating conjunction - a word that starts an adverbial clause
Adverbial clause - a type of subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction
Adverbial complex sentence - a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause
Common misconception
Pupils may use repetitive language choices.
Exposing pupils to a range of synonyms and ambitious vocabulary in the teacher model will support with language variation.
Teacher tip
Give pupils opportunities to say their sentences aloud to themselves or their partner before writing. Sentences are most successfully written when they have been orally rehearsed.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Puffin Books edition of ‘The Borrowers’ by Mary Norton for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the purposes of a build-up?
Q2.True or false? You can copy out the notes from your plan exactly as they are.
Q3.Which of the following is a simple sentence?
Q4.What is a compound sentence?
Q5.Order the four key moments of the build-up chronologically.
Q6.Select the example of 'show and tell' language.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Q2.True or false? The purpose of the build-up is to bring the suspense to its highest point.
Q3.Which of the following linguistic features should be included in the build-up?
Q4.Match the sentence types to their definition.
Q5.Match the subordinating conjunction to its meaning / purpose.
Q6.When we write, we always try to do which of these things?
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Writing a section of a narrative based on 'The Borrowers', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Writing a section of a narrative based on 'The Borrowers', 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 'The Borrowers': narrative writing and reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.