It's simple really: English grammar can be a very dry subject, but this need not be the case. For a few years now, I have been developing a games-based approach to teaching important grammar concepts. It is amazing how the introduction of dice takes the learning into a new place - the element of chance making it seem less like work and more like play. Because I test my games extensively in the classroom, I get a feel for what works. Dump your boring worksheets and start dicing with grammar.
It's simple really: English grammar can be a very dry subject, but this need not be the case. For a few years now, I have been developing a games-based approach to teaching important grammar concepts. It is amazing how the introduction of dice takes the learning into a new place - the element of chance making it seem less like work and more like play. Because I test my games extensively in the classroom, I get a feel for what works. Dump your boring worksheets and start dicing with grammar.
Here is a short science fiction/suspense model for Year 5 or Year 6. I have also included an annotated version with teacher notes showing all of the key grammatical features, the way the text is structured and some suggested activities.
How is this text organised?
Are you good at hiding? Do you ever keep secrets? Can you keep secrets from your reader? This story is all about keeping secrets, and causing confusion, uncertainty and suspense! Can you keep the identity of your man character (a cat in the model text) hidden until the end and let the reader try and work out what they are? Can you keep the danger unknown until right at the end? Can you finish on a cliff hanger? So many questions…
Build your own story from here. Scatter clues about the identity of your main character and keep the danger hidden.
Here are the themes of each part of the story:
Setting, fear, an unknown thing coming
Flashback 1: unclear warnings and rhetorical questions
Sustaining injuries: main character stops what she is doing and runs for home, but it is treacherous
Home and family: How is the character motivated to survive? Her den and cubs!
Flashback 2: she remembers more warnings, but the threat remains uncertain and confusing
Main character finds a familiar place – nearly home? – nearly safe?
A mysterious object finally appears – everything scatters – character’s identity revealed
Fear changes to hunger – prey becomes predator… cliff hanger!
This is an Iron Age themed Quiz Quiz Trade with 32 facts for the class to learn - this really support information writing.
Also included are instructions on how to play Quiz Quiz Trade and an extra little 12 fact Quiz Quiz Trade about Mammoths!
I always seem to get the best writing from my class when there are strange creatures and beasts involved. If you do too, I think you’ll love these plans and resources.
Here are three of my favourite writing units. I have used them in Y4, Y5 and Y6.
There is 3 weeks of myth writing, inspired by the traditional story ‘The Asrai’ (a mysterious lake creature).
There is 3 weeks of legend writing, inspired by a short version of ‘Beowulf’.
There is 3 weeks of legend writing, `
1 week of performance poetry and book making inspired by ‘Theseus’.
There is 1 week of poetry writing, inspired by ‘The Kraken’.
