Real Writing Year 6 - Unit 24
Model text: Daydreaming, by Joshua Seigal
Curriculum Links: History (Ancient Greeks)
Writing Unit Overview
This writing unit for Year 6 is built around an original model text by Joshua Seigal; a rich KS2 poem in which a child dreams of being different Greek gods. The example text is available as a PDF in three versions (plain, illustrated and annotated); annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations are also included.
In this two-week unit, pupils will read a wishing poem describing attributes of some of the Greek gods. Pupils will explore the structure of the poem and its use of the subjunctive form, before going on to write their own poem to describe a Greek god. This unit could be used within a topic on the Ancient Greeks.
Key Curriculum Skills
1.Vocabulary: To know how words are related by meaning as synonyms
Pupils will: match pairs of synonyms on cards and discuss their different meanings; use synonyms to write words and phrases about Greek gods and their powers; write a short poem describing their chosen god, being precise with vocabulary.
2. Grammar: To use the subjunctive form to show wishes and desires
Pupils will: Sort cards that contain the subjunctive form and discuss why; rewrite the cards not shown in the subjunctive form; write a poem titled ‘I Wish’ using the subjunctive form.
Additional skills to teach or revisit
- using modal verbs
- using subordinating conjunctions
- using contracted words
Year 6 vocabulary
Year 5/6 statutory spelling words: lightning
Tier 2 words: command, lair, revel, succulent, orchestrate, skewer
What is a synonym?
Synonyms are words with the same or a similar meaning. The words fast, speedy and rapid are synonyms of the word quick.
Why do we use synonyms?
Using synonyms helps to develop children’s vocabulary in spoken and written language. Vocabulary choices can communicate information more clearly through careful use of synonyms, creating a more vivid image for the reader or listener.
For example, we could write the following.
- I saw a large animal in the distance.
Or, we could use our knowledge of synonyms to write this, which gives a scarier image for the reader as we unsure what the creature might be.
- I saw a monstrous beast in the distance.
Synonyms can also create cohesion when writing, using words with similar meaning to link parts of the text.
What is the subjunctive form?
The subjunctive form in KS2 is used in very formal speech and writing. It can be used to suggest or demand, or indicate something that is desired, especially something that is important or urgent.
- It is important that he attend. (Rather than: It is important that he attends.)
The subjunctive form can also be used to show hypothetical situations or wishes and desires.
- If she were rich, she would buy a zoo.
- I wish I were a bird so I could fly above the clouds.