Explanatory Texts (4 weeks) unit based on Cracking Contraptions & Until I Met Dudley

This is a 4 week unit of work that is based on the books 'Cracking Contraptions' by Wallace & Gromit and 'Until I Met Dudley' by Roger McGough (illustrated by Chris Riddell). The end piece of writing is an explanatory text that is based on an invention that the pupils have to design. This has always been a fantastic unit where pupil's are inspired to create a great explanatory text rich with technical language. There are lots of chances to link it with Science or Design & Technology work for circuits.

The learning objectives for this unit of work are;

Stage 1- Stimulate and generate- Learning outcomes

• To understand the purpose of an explanation text
• To write an explanatory text
• To find evidence of an author’s style
• To explain how to do something in a clear and logical sequence
• To identify main ideas drawn from more than one paragraph

Stage 2 - Capture, Sift and Sort- Learning outcomes

• To find key features of an explanatory text
• To write consistently in the present tense
• To design a Cracking Contraption
• To label a diagram
• To write an opening statement
• To label a diagram
• To use causal conjunctions
• To sequence in logical steps
• To order an explanatory text correctly
• To improve a given explanation text using time connectives
• To write accurate titles for explanatory texts
• To write complex sentences


Stage 3 - Create refine evaluate- Learning outcomes

• To create and label a Cracking Contraption
• To write an explanatory text
• To prepare a public presentation
• To present clearly with good voice projection to an audience





This unit of work uses the 3 stage planning process of:
• Stimulate and generate
• Capture, sift and sort
• Create, refine and evaluate

Stimulate and generate = This usually starts with a hook to interest the class where the class realise who they are going to write for so they have a clear purpose and audience. Activities can include reading excellent model texts, drama or researching more about the author or the content of the book.

Capture, sift and sort = This is the part of the unit where pupils look at key features, practise skills they will need in order to complete the final piece or new learning for objectives they have not learnt yet.

Create, refine, evaluate = This is where you bring all you have learnt together and plan the final piece before you write it and then edit it to improve the piece. This can include self, peer or teacher led reviewing.