Analysing the features of a diary entry
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and analyse the layout and linguistic features of a diary entry.
Key learning points
- The purpose of a diary entry is to recount important experiences and express feelings.
- A diary entry follows a specific structure, it is written in the first person and it uses informal language.
- Simple past and progressive past tenses recount what the writer experienced and felt.
- Fronted adverbials of time support in sequencing events in a recount chronologically.
- Present tense is used towards the end of a diary entry to show how the writer is feeling now.
Keywords
Purpose - the aim of the text
Recount - a piece of writing that recalls an event or experience
Layout - the way a text is structured
Linguistic features - a structure of language that uses words
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to identify informal language.
Spend some time examining different ways informal language appears in the model diary entry (e.g. exaggeration, contractions, capitalised words, informal vocabulary).
Teacher tip
Provide each child with a copy of the model diary entry so that they can annotate features. You may wish to provide children with a range of diary entry examples to analyse.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the 2018 Penguin Random House UK edition of ‘The Firework Maker's Daughter' by Philip Pullman for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a diary?
Q2.What does writing in the 'first person' mean?
Q3.Which of these words might a writer use when writing in the first person?
Q4.A diary greeting normally starts with which word?
Q5.What does chronological order mean?
Q6.What usually comes at the very beginning of a diary entry?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of a diary entry?
Q2.Put the following in the order they appear in a diary entry.
Q3.Which of the following linguistic features appear in a diary entry?
Q4.Which tense does the writer use when recounting in a diary entry?
Q5.Which of the following supports the sequencing of events chronologically?
Q6.When does a diary entry shift into present tense?
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Analysing the features of a diary entry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Analysing the features of a diary entry, 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 Firework Maker's Daughter': reading and diary writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.