Planning the first diary entry based on 'The Firework Maker's Daughter'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write a plan for my first diary entry from the perspective of Lila.
Key learning points
- Oral rehearsal of a recount ensures we have a clear understanding of the chronology of events.
- When rehearsing and planning for a diary entry, we do so in the first person from the character's perspective.
- An effective plan for a diary entry contains key events in chronological order and thoughts/feelings.
- A plan is written in note format using bullet points to capture the most important information.
- Lila's first diary entry will recount her day making fireworks and discovering her father's views on her future.
Keywords
Oral recount - speaking aloud to retell events that have already happened
First person perspective - the point of view where the speaker or writer is the "I" character providing a personal account of events or experiences
Plan - a framework that writers create before they write a section or whole text
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to identify which key information should be included in the notes.
Re-read the corresponding section from the text to highlight which part we are using for our diary entry. Model making notes and identifying which events, thoughts and feelings are most important.
Teacher tip
Provide children with the corresponding extract from 'The Firework-Maker's Daughter' (pages 4 and 5) to support them in identifying key information for their plan. They may wish to include some precise details, e.g. the name of the firework that Lila created.
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 will Lila's diary entries include?
Q2.Which of the following are key linguistic features in a diary entry?
Q3.Order the following to show the layout of a diary entry:
Q4.What is a plan?
Q5.True or false? Lila's diary entry should be written in a formal tone.
Q6.Order the following events from the beginning of the story.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an oral recount?
Q2.What is first person perspective?
Q3.Order the following to show how they will appear in Lila's diary entry.
Q4.Which of the following emotions did Lila feel while she was making fireworks in the morning?
Q5.Which of the following emotions did Lila feel during/after her conversation with her father?
Q6.How should your notes for a diary entry be organised?
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Planning the first diary entry based on 'The Firework Maker's Daughter', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Planning the first diary entry based on 'The Firework Maker's Daughter', 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.