Writing the first diary entry based on 'The Firework Maker's Daughter'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write my first diary entry from the perspective of Lila.
Key learning points
- We use notes from our plan to form a range of full sentences.
- Fronted adverbials of time communicate the chronology of events in a recount.
- Conjunctions are used to create a range of sentence types.
- Hyperbole is used to exaggerate emotions in a diary entry.
- The use of progressive past and simple past tenses is an effective way to recount experiences and feelings.
Keywords
Hyperbole - exaggerated statements or claims
Progressive past tense - a verb form used to refer to an action that was ongoing at a time in the past
Simple past tense - a verb form used to refer to an action that happened in the past
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to understand the distinction between hyperbole and metaphors.
Explain that hyperbole always uses exaggeration and doesn't need to be metaphorical. E.g. 'That is the best news I have ever heard.' Metaphors can involve exaggeration but do not need to. E.g. 'That is music to my ears.'
Teacher tip
Model example compound sentences where both main clauses are written in the simple past tense and ask the children to adapt one clause into the progressive past tense.
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.How does a written plan support in writing?
Q2.Order the events for paragraph one of Lila's first diary entry.
Q3.Which of the following thoughts would Lila be likely to write when she was experimenting with fireworks?
Q4.Order the events for paragraph two of Lila's first diary entry.
Q5.Which of the following thoughts would Lila be likely to write after her father told her she could not be a firework-maker?
Q6.Why are fronted adverbials of time a key linguistic feature in diary entries?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a hyperbole?
Q2.What is the simple past tense?
Q3.What is the progressive past tense?
Q4.Which of the following are examples of the simple past tense?
Q5.Which of the following are examples of the progressive past tense?
Q6.Which of the following sentences is written using both the progressive past and simple past tenses?
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Writing 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: Writing 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.