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Year 4 - English

Writing the build-up of 'The Happy Prince'

'The Happy Prince': narrative writing and reading

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils write a full narrative based on a rewritten version of the classic 'The Happy Prince'. Pupils write an opening, build-up, climax and resolution, focusing on all parts of the narrative arc in turn and building a full understanding of how each narrative section builds on another.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write the build-up of 'The Happy Prince'.

Key Notes

  • Direct speech is punctuated using inverted commas. Dialogue moves the action forward.
  • Notes from a plan are used to form full sentences.
  • A range of sentence types (simple, compound and complex) improves text flow for the reader.
  • A relative complex sentence is formed of a main clause that is interrupted by a relative clause.
  • Singular possession is shown by use of an apostrophe.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • text flow: how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
  • apostrophe for possession: a punctuation mark used to show if a noun belongs to another noun
  • relative clause: a type of subordinate clause that starts with a relative pronoun
  • direct speech: shows that a character is speaking out loud in a text

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may struggle with how to apply the comma rule in a relative complex sentence.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Direct speech is punctuated using inverted commas. Dialogue moves the action forward. Notes from a plan are used to form full sentences.

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

how a text is written to keep the reader engaged.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may struggle with how to apply the comma rule in a relative complex sentence. Correction: Provide a visual scaffold of a relative complex sentence. Ask children to identify the relative pronoun that begins the relative clause and ensure that the visual highlights the comma rule.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 English guide library.