This resource consists of a selection of activities that can be used to help pupils to write an essay about a historical event. There is an information planning exercise which pupils can use to plan what they wish to include in their text and their thoughts on the event. This is followed by differentiated writing frames that the pupils can complete to create an easy to follow plan for their written text. This frame helps the pupils to structure their texts and includes some vocabulary suggestions (varied sentence openings). Example frames and texts are included so pupils can easily see how the frame is used to create the writing text. Pupils are then asked to use the plan to write their text about the historical event. This resource can be used in English or history lessons and is an effective way of promoting literacy across the curriculum.

This resource consists of a selection of activities that can be used to help pupils to write a historical diary entry from the perspective of a person who has witnessed a famous event in history. There is a planning exercise which pupils can use to think about the key events they wish to describe and how the writer felt about them. This is followed by differentiated writing frames that the pupils can complete to create an easy to follow plan for their written text. This frame helps the pupils to structure their texts and includes some vocabulary suggestions (varied sentence openings). There are also some example texts and writing frames so pupils can see how the writing frame is used to create the text and how to write to a higher level. Pupils are then asked to use the plan to write their historical diary entry. This resource can be used in English or history lessons and is an effective way of promoting literacy across the curriculum.

This resource is best taught after the pupils have read or listened to the first four chapters of Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Private Peaceful’. It contains comprehension exercises regarding the character development of some main characters in the first four chapters. It also deals with the theme in Chapter 4 of ‘An Amazing Event’. In Chapter 4 the kids see a yellow aeroplane and meet its pilot. Pupils are asked to list amazing events from their lifetime and ones they have lived witnessed, before they plan then write about witnessing an amazing event. also included, is a presentation that accompanies the lesson. It can be used with the activities in the lesson, as a starter, a plenary or it can lead to further speaking and listening activities. Here are the main activities in this unit: • Listen to/read the 4th chapter of the novel. • Complete the comprehension challenge regarding 4 characters in 4 chapters. • Make a list of any amazing events that have happened in your lifetime or that you have witnessed. • Take part in a class/group discussion about these events. • Work on a writing plan for describing witnessing an amazing event. • Write a text about witnessing an amazing event.

This resource consists of a powerpoint presentation and some worksheets to use with Chapter 10 of Michael Morpurpo’s ‘Private Peaceful’. The main activity is for pupils to plan and write a persuasive text in which they attempt to persuade others that a character in the story is a good or a bad leader. Some additional time could be used to turn these written texts into spoken presentations in which the pupils attempt to persuade the class. The powerpoint helps to organise the lesson, checking pupils’ understanding of the chapter and setting up class/group discussions. The worksheets consist of a writing plan for pupils to complete, lined paper for the writing activity and an extension activity in which pupils use a thesaurus to find as many suitable adjectives as they can to describe famous leaders from history. They may also research these leaders if they have time, although they should be familiar with them. This resource can last for between 2 and 6 hours depending on how much time you allow for each activity. This is the lesson plan: • Pre-Reading Discussion: *Discuss what you already know about World War 1 and what life was like for the soldiers in it. • Listen to/read the 9th chapter of the novel. Check your comprehension of the story by describing what happened using the images on the lesson powerpoint. • Class Discussion: Leaders Discuss what makes a good leader Which characters in the story take on the role of a leader? • Lesson Activity: Plan and write a persuasive text in which you attempt to convince others that a character in the story is or is not a good leader. • Extension Work: Adjectives For Famous Leaders Using a thesaurus, find as many different, but suitable adjectives to describe the famous leaders pictured. Please check out our other ‘Private Peaceful’ resources.

This is a presentation about Gallipoli in World War 1. It can be used as a assembly or to introduce the topic in a history lesson. It is especially poignant around Remembrance Day, as it promotes peace and honours the fallen in World War 1.