When Ludwig and Marta find a map in their new house’s cellar, they begin an adventure which takes them to a ruined castle and a terrifying crooked man! A long-ish quest / suspense narrative (8 pages) which could be used for guided or shared reading or as a modelled text to teach a variety of objectives (see Teaching Points below). There is a set of KS2 SAT style comprehension questions based on the text. Teaching Points: GRAMMAR: past tenses (including past perfect); fronted adverbials; adjectives and adverbs for descriptive detail; connectives (contrast and time); relative clauses; 3rd person narration PUNCTUATION: commas around clauses; exclamation and question marks; speech marks; ellipsis; colons and semi-colons STRUCTURE: paragraphing, including short paragraphs and sentences for dramatic effect; balance of action, dialogue and setting; repetition of phrases for effect CONTENT & THEME: quest, suspense narrative; character (villain, brother-sister); resolution with surprise; rhetorical questions; figurative language (simile, metaphor, alliteration)

A Roman slave witnesses the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Will he escape in time? A short narrative (2+ pages) which could be used for guided or shared reading or as a modelled text to teach a variety of objectives (see Teaching Points below). The story has dialogue which conveys character and advances the action of the story and includes informal contractions -key objectives for Year 6 pupils to meet ‘at expected’. Teaching Points GRAMMAR: past tenses; fronted adverbials; adjectives and adverbs for descriptive detail; connectives (contrast and time); relative clauses; 3rd person narration PUNCTUATION: commas around clauses; exclamation and question marks; speech marks STRUCTURE: chronological; paragraphing (opening, build-up, events, resolution); balance of action, dialogue and setting CONTENT & THEME: build up of suspense; historical fiction; character; figurative language (simile, metaphor, alliteration)

The snow begins to fall as two children walk to school… A short narrative opening (2 pages) with an emphasis on setting. It could be used for guided or shared reading, as a modelled text or as a prompt for students to continue. Teaching Points GRAMMAR: past tenses; fronted adverbials; adjectives and adverbs for descriptive detail; connectives (contrast and time); relative clauses; 3rd person narration PUNCTUATION: commas around clauses; exclamation and question marks; speech marks; ellipsis STRUCTURE: paragraphing (opening, build-up, events, resolution); balance of action, dialogue and setting CONTENT & THEME: setting based opening; character; figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification)

Pete and his sister are stranded on the top of a rollercoaster ride; their carriage hangs precariously at the top of the slope. Will they be rescued in time? A short narrative (4 pages) which could be used for guided or shared reading or as a modelled text. The story uses flashbacks which might work as a good model for ‘greater depth’ writing. See Teaching Points below. There is also an annotated text which highlights the following: Teaching Points: GRAMMAR: past tenses (including past perfect); fronted adverbials; adjectives and adverbs for descriptive detail; connectives (contrast and time); relative clauses; 3rd person narration PUNCTUATION: commas around clauses; exclamation and question marks; speech marks; ellipsis; dashes; semi-colons STRUCTURE: paragraphing, including short paragraphs and sentences for dramatic effect; use of flashback; balance of action, dialogue and setting CONTENT & THEME: disaster/rescue/bravery; character (brother-sister); resolution links with opening; rhetorical questions; figurative language (similes)

Can Captain Ark and his crew stop Commander Skull from destroying the galaxy? The beginning of a science fiction (think Star Wars) narrative (2.5 pages) which could be used for guided or shared reading, as a modelled text or as an opening prompt for students to continue. Teaching Points: GRAMMAR: past tenses; fronted adverbials; adjectives and adverbs for descriptive detail; connectives (contrast and time); relative clauses; 3rd person narration PUNCTUATION: commas around clauses; exclamation and question marks; speech marks; brackets STRUCTURE: paragraphing, balance of action, dialogue and setting CONTENT & THEME: science-fiction; character (hero, villain); figurative language (simile)

Two police officers chase bank robbers across London… A short narrative (4+ pages) which could be used for guided or shared reading or as a modelled text to teach a variety of objectives (see Teaching Points below). It comes with a plan of the story using OBDER (opening, build-up, dilemma, events, resolution). The story uses flashbacks which might be useful for modelling ‘greater depth’ writing. Teaching Points: GRAMMAR: past tenses (including past perfect); fronted adverbials; adjectives and adverbs for descriptive detail; connectives (contrast and time); relative clauses; 3rd person narration; complex sentences PUNCTUATION: commas around clauses; exclamation and question marks; speech marks; semi colons STRUCTURE: paragraphing; short paragraphs and sentences for dramatic effect; balance of action, dialogue and setting; use of flashback; resolution links back to opening CONTENT & THEME: action, chase; character (police heroes, villains); figurative language (similes); geographical detail

During a dull school trip to an art gallery, the narrator sees one of the portraits being to move… A short narrative (2 pages) which could be used for guided or shared reading or as a modelled text. Teaching Points: GRAMMAR: past tenses; fronted adverbials; adjectives and adverbs for descriptive detail; connectives (contrast and time); relative clauses; first person narration; rhetorical questions PUNCTUATION: commas around clauses; exclamation and question marks; speech marks; ellipsis STRUCTURE: paragraphing (opening, build-up, events, resolution); balance of action, dialogue and setting CONTENT & THEME: stepping into another world; setting based opening; character (old lady in portrait); cliff-hanger ending; figurative language (similes)