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Year 3 - English

Writing the second paragraph of a diary entry based on 'The Journey'

'The Journey': diary writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils write a diary entry based on the picture book 'The Journey' by Francesca Sanna. Pupils use the book as a starting point from which they write a diary entry, focusing on using the first person perspective consistently and practising the skill of varying tense accurately.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write the second paragraph of a diary entry.

Key Notes

  • Diary entries use informal language that reflect the character who is writing.
  • Writers switch between the present, past and future tenses in diary entries.
  • First person perspective is the point of view where the writer is the 'I' character.
  • A range of sentence types, including simple, compound and complex, improves text flow for the reader.
  • Notes from a plan are used to help form full sentences.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • tense: tells the reader when something happens
  • first person: the 'I/we' perspective
  • informal language: language and vocabulary that is used for more casual and relaxed purposes
  • text flow: how a text is written to keep the reader engaged

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may find it challenging to switch fluently between tenses.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Diary entries use informal language that reflect the character who is writing. Writers switch between the present, past and future tenses in diary entries.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'tense'

tells the reader when something happens.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may find it challenging to switch fluently between tenses. Correction: Practise saying sentences aloud to check tense is used accurately.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 English guide library.