Phase 2 – Teaching Basic Commands
In the second phase of the plan, Teaching Basic Commands, pupils will develop their instructional writing skills by focusing on structure, clarity, and precision. The key focus areas include:
Time Adverbs at the Start: Pupils will learn to use time adverbs (e.g., First, Next, Then, Finally) to sequence instructions logically and guide the reader step by step.
Adverbs to Describe the Verb: Pupils will enhance their sentences by including descriptive adverbs (e.g., gently, clearly, patiently) to provide detail about how actions should be performed.
Building on Modal Verbs: Following Phase 1, pupils will continue to explore modal verbs (e.g., must, should, could, might) to express necessity, possibility, and advice, applying them effectively in context.
To support all learners:
Word Mats: A word mat will be provided with key vocabulary, including modal verbs, time adverbs, and topic-specific nouns (e.g., commands, gestures, treats), to inspire ideas and improve writing fluency.
Scaffolded Activities: Lower ability and SEN pupils will benefit from structured tasks, such as matching sentence starters to appropriate endings or filling in gaps with adverbs and modal verbs. Sentence-building templates will also be provided to help create full instructions step by step.
Model Examples: Teachers will provide dictated sentences and model how to construct instructions using the features of this phase.
This phase encourages creativity while emphasizing accuracy and structure, equipping pupils with the tools to write detailed, engaging instructions for training their dragon. The inclusion of scaffolds ensures that all pupils can succeed while building confidence in their writing abilities.
KS2 Literacy unit
Split your class in half or have one class against the other.
Focuses on:
Fronted adverbials
Generalisers
PEE argument structure
Rhetorical questions
Relative clauses
There is an oracy element to the unit as well where pupils practice saying their sentences and debate out loud.
Lesson structure:
WAGOLL and understanding what a debate is
Looking at graffiti and research
Practice using generalisers and fronted adverbials
Practice using rhetorical questions
Practice using relative clauses
Practice writing within a PEE format
Planning lesson with box up template
Widgit representations for:
spellings
sentence starters
Differentiation for B squared with picture orientated task where they need to replace some of the words with synonyms
Description of the First Phase of Instructions
The first phase of instructions, Preparing for Dragon Training, introduces pupils to the topic of training a dragon by emphasizing the importance of preparation and setting a solid foundation for success. This phase focuses on helping pupils understand how to use modal verbs (e.g., “must,” “should,” “might”) to express necessity, possibility, and advice effectively in their writing.
To support pupils in constructing clear and engaging instructions, teachers will use dictated sentences to model the structure and vocabulary required. Pupils will listen, repeat, and adapt these sentences, ensuring they gain confidence in using modal verbs and instruction-focused language.
Word mats featuring thematic vocabulary (e.g., “equipment,” “trust,” “safe”) and modal verbs, along with scaffolds such as sentence starters and example phrases, will be provided to guide pupils through the writing process. These resources will help pupils create detailed and structured instructions, while also encouraging creativity as they describe how to prepare for the exciting task of dragon training.
Engage your Year 5 pupils with this thought-provoking reading comprehension exploring the debate on going paperless in schools. This resource provides a balanced argument, covering the benefits and challenges of digital learning, alongside structured comprehension activities designed to enhance retrieval, inference, comparison, and summarising skills.
What’s Included?
A high-quality non-fiction text with persuasive features.
A range of reading comprehension questions split into three progressive lessons:
Day 2: Retrieval questions to develop fact-finding skills.
Day 3: Inference questions to encourage deeper thinking (including a 3-mark question).
Day 4: Compare and summarise questions to build evaluation skills.
Modelled questions for guided teaching and independent tasks.
Persuasive language techniques, complex noun phrases, and modal verbs embedded in the text.
Perfect for whole-class reading, guided reading sessions, or independent comprehension practice, this resource supports critical thinking and discussion on a real-world topic.
TES Product Description – Year 5 Writing Unit: Balanced Argument on Going Paperless (Lessons 6-11)
This structured writing unit guides Year 5 pupils through the process of planning, drafting, refining, and finalising a balanced argument on whether schools should go paperless. Lessons 6-11 focus on structuring arguments, developing sentence variety, and enhancing writing with persuasive features.
What’s Included?
Lesson 6: Structuring a Balanced Argument – Pupils plan their argument using a scaffolded approach, ensuring clear reasoning, evidence, and counterarguments.
Lesson 7: Writing the First Draft – Pupils apply their structured plan to develop a balanced argument, incorporating persuasive phrases, rhetorical questions, and varied sentence types.
Lesson 8: Uplevelling Writing – Focus on improving sentence structure by integrating complex noun phrases, fronted adverbials, and formal tone.
Lesson 9: Editing and Redrafting – Pupils refine their writing, ensuring clarity, cohesion, and persuasive strength.
Lesson 10: Finalising the Balanced Argument – Pupils complete their final draft, demonstrating a well-structured, balanced viewpoint.
Lesson 11: Presenting and Evaluating Arguments – Pupils share, assess, and reflect on their work, developing skills in evaluating effective writing.
This unit provides modelled writing examples, structured planning templates, peer assessment opportunities, and differentiated scaffolds to ensure all pupils can confidently write a compelling balanced argument.
This resource is ideal for whole-class teaching, guided writing sessions, or independent writing practice.
Week 1: Using Repeated Verbs at the Start
🔹 Objective: Pupils use repeated verbs at the beginning of each line to create rhythm and emphasis in poetry.
Lesson 1 – Identify
Read short poems where each line starts with the same verb (e.g., Run, run, run through the trees. / Run, run, run past the bees…).
Discuss the effect of repetition (urgency, movement, rhythm).
Highlight and annotate verbs in model texts.
Lesson 2 – Practice
Pupils rewrite simple sentences to begin with repeated verbs.
Use structured scaffolds with Widgit support to build confidence.
Group challenge: Generate lists of action verbs that create strong imagery.
Lesson 3 – Apply (Poetry Writing)
Write a 4-line verse, starting each line with the same verb (e.g., Jump, jump over the waves…).
Peer review: Read and discuss how repetition adds rhythm.
Extension: Experiment with different tenses (e.g., Jumped, jumped over the waves…).
Week 2: Using Anaphora (Repetition at the Start of Sentences/Lines)
🔹 Objective: Pupils use anaphora to emphasise key ideas in poetry.
Lesson 1 – Identify
Read poems and speeches with anaphora (e.g., I Have a Dream).
Discuss why repetition makes writing powerful.
Highlight key repeated phrases and their emotional effect.
Lesson 2 – Practice
Sentence starters provided (e.g., I believe…, We will…, She never…).
Pupils create short anaphora phrases using structured scaffolds.
Paired work: Expand phrases into 4-line poem verses.
Lesson 3 – Apply (Poetry Writing)
Write a 4-line verse where each line starts with the same phrase.
SEN support: Word banks and Widgit visuals for structured scaffolding.
Performance activity: Pupils read aloud for intonation and rhythm.
Week 3: Using Epistrophe (Repetition at the End of Sentences/Lines)
🔹 Objective: Pupils use epistrophe to reinforce key ideas in poetry.
Lesson 1 – Identify
Read poems using epistrophe (e.g., I am strong, I am brave, I am free.).
Discuss how repeated endings create impact and rhythm.
Highlight repeated words and predict their effect.
Lesson 2 – Practice
Sentence completion task: Pupils add repeated endings (e.g., She runs fast, she fights fast, she dreams fast.).
Group challenge: Create a 4-line group poem with repeated endings.
Lesson 3 – Apply (Poetry Writing)
Write a 4-line verse, ending each line with the same phrase.
Editing focus: Strengthening rhythm and emotional impact.
Optional challenge: Combine anaphora + epistrophe in one poem.
Assessment & Reflection
Mini assessment: Pupils reflect on how repetition affects poetry.
Final writing piece: Pupils choose a repetition technique for their own 4-line verse.
Teacher feedback: Focus on effectiveness & rhythm.
A week of lessons based on compound, complex and simple sentences.
Can be used for lower key stage 2 or with a lower ability upper key stage 2 class.
Includes:
Teaching slides
Write simple and complex sentences worksheet
Identify Compound sentences worksheet
To match independent clauses together to create compound sentences worksheet.
Write simple and compound sentences worksheet.
Write a range of sentences worksheet.
1 week of lesson plans
Literacy: Newspaper activity based on the European football championships
Maths: Rounding, subtraction, multiplication and division word problems linked to the European football championships
Division code breaker activity
Long division maths plan
SPAG work for any class from year 4-year 6
Covering:
Verbs
Adjectives
Adverbs
Nouns
Conjunctions
Question marks
As well as year 3 and year 4 spelling practice
This engaging resource focuses on teaching pupils how to write complex instructions using subordinating clauses, perfect for a unit on “How to Train Your Dragon”. Through a series of scaffolded lessons, pupils will learn to construct detailed, well-organized instructions for the Advanced Training and Flying phase of dragon training.
What’s Included?
Lesson 1: Matching Subordinating Clauses to Main Clauses
Pupils match given main clauses to appropriate subordinating clauses to form logical, complete instructions. This activity helps pupils understand the relationship between the two parts of a sentence.
Lesson 2: Adding a Subordinating Clause to a Main Clause
Pupils complete main clause openers by adding their own subordinating clauses, promoting creativity and sentence variety.
Lesson 3: Adding a Main Clause to a Subordinating Clause
Pupils construct main clauses to complete given subordinating clauses, encouraging them to think critically about logical sentence construction.
Writing Task: Pupils apply their skills by writing part of the instructions for the Advanced Training and Flying phase, integrating subordinating clauses into their work.
Supporting Resources:
Word Mat for Scaffold: A helpful tool featuring key vocabulary (e.g., subordinating conjunctions, time adverbs, topic-specific nouns) to support all learners, including SEN and lower ability pupils.
Word of the Day: Carefully chosen vocabulary (e.g., agility, stamina, maneuver) to enrich pupils’ language and connect to the topic meaningfully.
Why Use This Resource?
Builds confidence in writing complex sentences.
Encourages structured, creative, and descriptive writing.
Differentiated activities to support pupils of all abilities.
Promotes vocabulary growth through targeted words of the day.
This resource provides everything you need to teach advanced instruction writing in a fun, engaging way that supports progression for all pupils.
Year 5 Writing Unit: Balanced Argument on Going Paperless
This four-lesson writing unit is designed to help Year 5 pupils build a persuasive and balanced argument on whether schools should go paperless. Using a highly scaffolded approach, students will develop their sentence structure, persuasive techniques, and argument writing skills, ensuring they can craft a well-reasoned debate.
What’s Included?
Lesson 1: Understanding Key Arguments – Pupils explore three arguments for and against going paperless, using Point, Example, Explanation structure.
Lesson 2: Persuasive Phrases & Sentence Structuring – Pupils practice using persuasive phrases, fronted adverbials, and key transitions to strengthen their writing.
Lesson 3: Using a Range of Sentence Types – Focus on statements, exclamations, questions, and commands to vary sentence structure and impact.
Lesson 4: Applying Features in a Balanced Argument – Pupils draft a structured paragraph using all previously learned techniques.
This unit incorporates modelled writing, sentence scaffolding, and progressive application, making it ideal for whole-class instruction, guided writing, or independent tasks.
Download now to help your pupils master persuasive and balanced argument writing in an engaging and structured way!
Engaging Poetry Lessons for Year 5 – Exploring Repetition Techniques
This four-lesson poetry unit develops students’ understanding of Epistrophe, Anaphora, and Repeated Verbs in poetry. Through structured activities, scaffolded practice, and creative writing, students will build confidence in crafting rhythmic and impactful poems inspired by the rainforest.
Lesson 1 – Identifying Epistrophe in Poetry
Students analyze how Epistrophe (repetition at the end of lines) is used in poetry to create emphasis, rhythm, and emotion. Using examples, including rainforest-themed poetry, they will identify its effect and discuss its impact on the reader.
Lesson 2 – Practicing Epistrophe in Poetry
Through structured sentence stems, word mats, and model examples, students experiment with Epistrophe in guided exercises. They will craft short poetic lines using repetition at the end of each phrase to build fluency and confidence.
Lesson 3 – Planning a Full Poem (Integrating Techniques)
Students will plan a complete poem by combining techniques from previous lessons:
Repeated Verbs (Lesson 1)
Anaphora (Lesson 2)
Epistrophe (Lesson 3)
Using graphic organizers and scaffolded prompts, students outline a rainforest-inspired poem that incorporates all three techniques.
Lesson 4 – Writing a Full Poem Using Epistrophe, Anaphora & Repeated Verbs
Students write, edit, and refine their full poems, applying their understanding of repetition techniques. Through peer feedback and performance, they will present their work, focusing on rhythm, expression, and impact.
Why This Unit Works:
Step-by-step progression from identifying to applying techniques.
Scaffolded support through sentence stems, word banks, and guided tasks.
Engaging rainforest theme to build cross-curricular links to geography and conservation.
Encourages creativity and confidence while developing poetic fluency and expressive performance skills.
This unit is designed for Year 5 classrooms, equipping students with the tools to master repetition in poetry while enhancing their descriptive writing.
Engaging Year 5 Poetry Unit – Rainforest Theme
This three-lesson poetry sequence is designed to develop students’ understanding of repetition in poetry, using the rainforest as inspiration. The lessons guide students through structured analysis, scaffolded practice, and independent application, with a focus on performance, creative writing, and vocabulary enrichment using word mats.
Lesson 1 – Exploring Repetition in Poetry (The Great Kapok Tree & Performance)
Students are introduced to repetition by analyzing The Great Kapok Tree and other rainforest-themed poetry. They identify repeated words, repeated phrases, and chorus lines, exploring how these techniques create rhythm and meaning. The lesson includes a performance element, where students read aloud, focusing on intonation and expression to bring the poem’s rhythm to life.
Lesson 2 – Practicing Repetition in Poetry
Using scaffolded sentence stems and rainforest-themed word mats, students experiment with repetition in structured exercises. They work on rhyming couplets and descriptive phrases to enhance fluency and creativity. This lesson builds confidence in crafting effective poetry while reinforcing word choice and structure.
Lesson 3 – Applying Repetition in Independent Poetry Writing & Performance
Students craft their own rainforest-inspired poem, using repetition as a central technique. They refine their work through peer feedback, editing, and final performance. The unit culminates in a poetry showcase, where students present their poems, integrating expression, rhythm, and performance techniques.
Why This Works
Encourages structured creativity through step-by-step guidance.
Develops vocabulary and descriptive writing with word mats.
Builds performance confidence through expressive reading.
Cross-curricular links with geography and environmental awareness.
This three-lesson sequence is designed to introduce students to anaphora as a poetic device, provide structured practice, and guide them toward creating their own poems using repetition for effect. The lessons incorporate visual scaffolds for SEND learners and culminate in a performance to enhance confidence and engagement.
Lesson 1: Identifying Anaphora in Poetry
Introduce anaphora through well-known poems and spoken word examples.
Use visual picture scaffolds to support SEND learners in recognizing repeated phrases.
Guide students in annotating and analyzing how repetition enhances meaning and rhythm.
End with a performance reading where students recite an anaphora-based poem, emphasizing its structure and impact.
Lesson 2: Practicing Anaphora in Writing
Model the process of creating a simple anaphora-based poem.
Provide structured sentence starters and word banks to help students experiment with repetition.
Use paired or group writing activities where students generate their own anaphora-driven verses.
Share and discuss the effect of repetition in their work.
Lesson 3: Writing a Full Poem Using Anaphora and Repeated Verbs
Explore how anaphora and repeated verbs create rhythm and movement in poetry.
Guide students in structuring their own full poem with a repeating phrase and action words.
Offer peer feedback opportunities before refining their final drafts.
End with a poetry performance, encouraging students to deliver their work with expression and confidence.
This unit develops reading, writing, and performance skills while making poetry accessible and engaging for all learners.
Narrative Creature Poetry – 5-Lesson Unit
KS2 (Year 5/6) – Inspired by “There’s a Rang-Tang in My Bedroom”
This five-lesson poetry unit guides pupils through the process of planning, drafting, and performing a narrative poem based on an imaginative creature arriving in a familiar setting. Drawing inspiration from “There’s a Rang-Tang in My Bedroom,” the unit builds progressively, supporting pupils in developing rich vocabulary, powerful verbs, and figurative language including similes, metaphors, and imagery.
Each lesson is designed to be engaging, structured, and accessible, with scaffolding for all learners and clear links to the final writing outcome.
Unit Overview:
Lesson 1 – Describing the Creature (Adjectives Focus):
Pupils explore powerful adjectives to describe their imaginary creature and setting. Includes creative vocabulary tasks, visual prompts, and short writing activities.
Lesson 2 – Creating Chaos (Verbs & Action):
Focuses on dynamic verbs and figurative action as pupils imagine the creature disrupting their space. Supports the development of the second stanza of the poem.
Lesson 3 – Figurative Language & Planning:
Introduces and explores similes, metaphors, and sensory imagery. Pupils apply these techniques while planning each stanza of their poem using a structured scaffold.
Lesson 4 – Drafting the Poem:
Using their detailed plans, pupils begin writing their full four-stanza poem. Includes modelled writing, sentence starters, word banks, and differentiated support.
Lesson 5 – Editing & Performance:
Pupils refine their poems through self- and peer-editing, then perform or publish their work. Emphasis on rhythm, expression, and final poetic effect.
Included in the Resource Pack:
Planning sheets and word banks (adjectives, verbs, figurative language)
Sentence starters and modelled examples
Differentiated scaffolds for each stanza
Lesson-by-lesson guidance and pupil activity sheets
Assessment opportunities and performance ideas
Perfect for a creative writing unit, National Poetry Day, or to support narrative poetry objectives in the upper KS2 curriculum.