This Year 1 writing unit is built around a descriptive poem about fireworks by published children’s author Joshua Seigal. Pupils will explore how the poet uses words to describe the sights and sounds of fireworks and learn to create their own poems using similar techniques.
This unit is part of our Real Writing collection and follows a carefully mapped framework designed to support two to three weeks of structured lessons. Teachers can use this unit during autumn or as part of a topic on celebrations, including Bonfire Night, or alongside science work on the senses.
Curriculum links
The unit focuses on key Year 1 English objectives while offering opportunities to connect with other subjects. Pupils will:
- Learn to add the suffix -ing to verbs where no change is needed in the spelling of the root word.
- Use verbs to describe sounds and understand onomatopoeia.
- Use exclamation marks to show surprise.
Teachers can also revisit or teach additional skills such as saying aloud what they are going to write about, combining words into sentences, using capital letters and full stops, using the capital I for the personal pronoun, and reading aloud their own writing.
This unit supports cross-curricular links with topics on celebrations, sensory experiences in science and visual arts when illustrating poems.
Vocabulary
The unit emphasises vocabulary development through Tier 2 words such as crash, flash, swirl, marvellous, whirl, and explode, as well as Tier 3 words like firework and sparkler.
Common exception words featured include the and love. Pupils will practise recognising, reading, spelling and using these words within their poems.
Resources
Teachers receive three versions of the model poem in PDF format: plain, illustrated and annotated, alongside annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations. Additional resources include:
- Tier 2 vocabulary cards and CEW flashcards for common exception words.
- Story maps, planning sheets and writing sheets to support sequencing, drafting and final composition.
- Teacher guidance for every stage, from familiarisation and oral rehearsal to independent writing and performance.
- Firework image cards, onomatopoeia posters and themed writing paper.
Teaching activities
The unit begins with a hook, using a video of fireworks or class discussions about experiences of Bonfire Night. Pupils will read and discuss the model poem, drawing and labelling images to support comprehension.
Teachers guide pupils in identifying onomatopoeic words, exploring sounds and descriptive language. Pupils will then plan their own poems using planning sheets, then draft and refine their work, incorporating adjectives, onomatopoeia and exclamation marks.
Performance opportunities allow pupils to recite their poems, individually or in groups, using actions or visual supports.
Outcomes
By the end of the unit, pupils will:
- Understand and identify onomatopoeia in poetry.
- Use descriptive verbs and adjectives to capture sights and sounds.
- Apply spelling rules for the suffix -ing and correctly use common exception words.
- Compose and perform their own fireworks poems, punctuated with exclamation marks and beginning with capital letters.
- Develop confidence in reading, writing and orally presenting poetry.
This unit provides a structured, engaging approach to Year 1 writing, helping pupils enjoy language, build vocabulary and develop essential literacy skills while connecting with broader topics and sensory experiences.
Browse more Bonfire Night activities.