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Year 5 - English

Planning the opening of a diary entry based on 'How To Train Your Dragon'

'How to Train Your Dragon': diary and narrative writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils use their knowledge of the text 'How To Train Your Dragon' to write a setting description, a narrative opening and a diary entry. Pupils use one stimulus to write for several outcomes, writing for different purposes by demonstrating certain techniques in each.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to plan the opening of a diary entry based on 'How To Train Your Dragon'.

Key Notes

  • Diaries are informal in tone; this can be achieved through use of certain linguistic features, like contracted words.
  • Diaries include references to the character's thoughts and feelings.
  • Diaries are written from the first person perspective.
  • Writers can convey their feelings using 'tell' and 'show-not-tell' descriptions.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • contraction: two words pushed together with an apostrophe
  • show-not-tell: when the writer conveys feelings by describing physical sensations and actions
  • first person: the "I/we" perspective

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may accidentally include too much detail of the recount in the opening.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Diaries are informal in tone; this can be achieved through use of certain linguistic features, like contracted words. Diaries include references to the character's thoughts and feelings.

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

two words pushed together with an apostrophe.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may accidentally include too much detail of the recount in the opening. Correction: Whilst some recount is important, reinforce to pupils that they must write from the personal viewpoint of the character, using feelings and thoughts to convey their character.

More Lessons In This Unit

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