This Year 4 writing unit features an original diary by published children’s author Ross Montgomery. It follows a carefully mapped framework within the Real Writing collection, and provides two to three weeks of clear, structured teaching.
The model text reveals how a Roman soldier described the use of elephants during the invasion of Britain. Pupils are introduced to viewpoint, tense and key diary features in simple, focused steps.
The children then create their own diary entry from a British soldier’s perspective, developing ideas through talk and roleplay.
Curriculum links
English:
- Synonyms to widen vocabulary
- Proofreading for punctuation errors
- Fronted adverbials
- Expanded noun phrases
- Nouns and pronouns for clarity
- Consistent tense
- Apostrophes for possession and contraction
- Simple organisational devices
- Direct speech (for greater depth)
Cross-curricular links:
- History: Roman Empire, invasion of Britain, military tactics, use of animals in warfare
Vocabulary
- Tier 2: beset, nudge, swift
- Tier 3: centurion, combat, conquer, defend, invade, military, troops, warfare
- Common exception words: centre, group, island
Resources included
- Model text in plain, illustrated and annotated PDF versions
- Annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint slides
- Vocabulary cards and matching activities
- Teaching slides and teacher notes
- Timeline and sequencing templates
- Margin planner for independent writing
- Image prompt of Roman soldiers on an elephant
- ‘How to write a diary’ poster
- Writing skills check
Key teaching activities
- Examine the model text to identify diary features
- Explore Roman military imagery and discuss historical context
- Investigate synonyms using word cards and thesauruses
- Practise proofreading at editing stations
- Sequence diary events and build a class timeline
- Use roleplay to explore both Roman and British viewpoints
- Write sentences with fronted adverbials
- Build expanded noun phrases from historical imagery
- Plan, draft, edit and improve diary entries over several sessions
Outcomes
By the end of the unit pupils:
- Write an effective diary entry from a British soldier’s viewpoint
- Use synonyms confidently to improve vocabulary choices
- Apply fronted adverbials and expanded noun phrases accurately
- Maintain a consistent tense throughout the diary
- Edit and proofread writing for punctuation errors
- Demonstrate understanding of historical events linked to the Roman invasion of Britain