Analysing the features of diary entries
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and analyse layout and linguistic features of a diary entry.
Key learning points
- The purpose of a diary entry is to recount important personal experiences and to 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 at points in 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
Pupils may find it difficult to identify informal language.
Spend some time examining different ways that informal language appears in the model diary entry (e.g. exaggeration, contractions, capitalised words, informal vocabulary).
Teacher tip
Provide each pupil with a copy of the model diary entry so that they can annotate features. You may wish to provide pupils with a range of diary entry examples to analyse.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the 2016 Flying Eye Books edition of ‘The Journey’ by Francesa Sanna for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does writing in the 'first person' mean?
Q2.What are features of something?
Q3.What is a diary?
Q4.Which of these words might a writer use when writing in the first person?
Q5.A diary greeting normally starts with which word?
Q6.What does chronological order mean?
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.Match the vocabulary to the correct definition.
the aim of the text
distinctive qualities or characteristics of something
the way a text is structured
a personal book that an individual writes in
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 diary entries, 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 diary entries, 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 Journey': diary writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.