Writing the first half of a narrative climax scene in 'When The Sky Falls'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the first half of a narrative climax scene in ’When The Sky Falls’, using a range of techniques to build tension and show fast-paced action.
Key learning points
- Writing is most successful when structure, content and vocabulary are planned.
- Our climax should have a tense, fast-paced mood.
- We combine descriptive details and emotive details to paint a clear picture for the reader.
- We can use a range of linguistic techniques and cohesive devices for increasing the pace.
- We use precise vocabulary to add to the impression of speed.
Keywords
Climax - the point in the narrative where the suspense and excitement reach their highest point
Mood - the feeling or atmosphere in a section of text
Descriptive details - details that tell us what a character is experiencing (seeing, hearing, doing, smelling) during a scene
Emotive details - details that tell us what a character is feeling and thinking during a scene
Precise vocabulary - vocabulary chosen to create a particular impression or to have a particular effect on the reader
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to use the full range of cohesive devices and punctuation expected from them.
Our Y6 Grammar 'Revision' unit covers the full range of cohesive devices and punctuation expected of pupils in Year 6. You might wish to use these lessons to remind pupils of certain features they may wish to include.
Teacher tip
Model the oral rehearsal and allow plenty of time for pupils to practise saying their ideas aloud before writing.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which event will not be covered in our rewriting of part of the climax of 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q2.Match the techniques for using precise vocabulary with the examples.
ravenous bombers
attacked their prey
circled like vultures
swooping down from the sky
Q3.Which examples below use 'fast' words to help to add pace and speed to a narrative?
Q4.Which features of a good narrative plan are shown in this note? 'Joseph knew he had to carry on.'
Q5.Which example uses show-not-tell to give us Joseph's emotions?
Q6.Match the example notes below to the features of a good narrative plan.
The air was thick with the choking scent of smoke.
Would he make it there alive?
Explosions tore apart the night sky.
Joseph dodged flying debris.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the mood of the climax in 'When the Sky Falls'?
Q2.What are Joseph's motivations in the climax?
Q3.Match the features of writing a narrative climax to the examples.
he felt the ground tremor
his heart was pounding
he raced through hellish streets
Q4.Which technique for increasing pace and tension is shown here? 'He pushed on. He had to. He had no choice.'
Q5.Which cohesive device for increasing pace and tension is shown here? 'Just then, an explosion nearly knocked Joseph off his feet.'
Q6.Which examples combine these two ideas correctly using cohesive devices? 'Joseph dashed through the chaos. He was determined to get to the zoo.'
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the first half of a narrative climax scene in 'When The Sky Falls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the first half of a narrative climax scene in 'When The Sky Falls', 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 'When the Sky Falls': narrative and journalistic report writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.