Holes, formal and informal letters

Here are seven sessions inspired by Louis Sachar’s ‘Holes’ (or the film of the same name) pitched at Year 5 or Year 6. First, children write an informal letter from Stanley to a member of his family back home. After that, they write a formal letter of complaint from Mrs. Yelnats to Warden Walker. There are also optional cold task and hots tasks (Pizza Problems!) if you need them.

It’s all in Powerpoint and Word, so edit as you wish. Absolutely everything you need is in the zip folder. Models and planning are frames included along with many other supporting resources (word banks, text extracts and information pages). Get stuck in!

Here is an overview of the six sessions:

OPTIONAL COLD TASK
Pizza problems! Write an informal email to a friend. Use the planning frame and the word bank if you need them.

Reading fluency and tricky vocabulary
Look at tricky words and rank them. Use synonyms and paraphrases to replace tricky words. Improve reading fluency through modelled and paired reading.
• I can explore unfamiliar vocabulary in context
• I can read a story fluently

Plan an informal letter to Mom **
Read the start of Stanley’s letter and Mom’s reply. Discuss how Stanley is creative with the truth. Focus on planning structure – give each paragraph a theme. Share read an example letter before starting.
• I plan an informal letter
• I can use informal language and sentence structures

Write a letter to Mom
Explore the difference between formal and informal. Identify formal and informal language. Revisit contractions and dashes – they are common in informal writing. Write a letter home.
• I can make contractions by dropping letters and using an apostrophe in their place
• I can add chatty afterthoughts using dashes

Plan a formal letter
Explore formal language choice. Get into role as one of Stanley’s parents. Pick three key points to complain about. Read information relating to your three points and plan your letter.
• I can use precise language (limited, inadequate, insufficient) and write in a formal style

Write a formal letter
Share read a formal letter paying close attention to grammar features. Spend time exploring word banks. Write formal letters, maintaining an appropriate register throughout.
• I can write maintain a formal style throughout my writing
• I can use a range of (upper KS2) punctuation

OPTIONAL HOT TASK
Pizza problems 2! Write a letter of complaint. Use the planning frame and the word bank if you need them.