Develop your pupils’ use of figurative language to create vivid setting descriptions in their writing using our Bonfire Night writing resource.
Pupils will explore language that could be used to describe Bonfire Night and read our model text, identifying the language discussed.
They will explore figurative language, collecting their own ideas before writing their own descriptions of Bonfire Night, using their own experiences of this event.
The activities could be completed over a morning on 5th November or as a series of lessons as part of your English teaching over a week and can be adapted for use with pupils in Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 or Year 6.
What is included in this figurative language KS2 resource pack?
- Model Text ‘Bonfire Night’
This is used to inspire writing and can be used as a model for pupils to base their own writing upon.
- Bonfire Night image cards
Printable images to inspire pupils’ creativity.
- Figurative Language posters
Printable posters that can be displayed in the classroom for pupils to refer to when writing.
- Bonfire Night vocabulary cards
PDF word cards to display key vocabulary that pupils could use in their own writing.
- Collecting Ideas worksheet
A sheet for pupils to use to gather and organise their ideas before writing.
- Bonfire Night themed writing paper
A beautifully designed sheet that pupils could use to present their writing.
- Teaching Slides
These can be used to guide pupils through the activities and prompt discussion.
- Teacher’s Notes
Guidance on how to use the resource is given, divided into four smaller activities. Additional activities are also suggested.
When is Bonfire Night?
Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night and Fireworks Night, takes place on the 5 November each year in the UK.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
Bonfire Night marks the anniversary of the discovery of the gunpowder plot, a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Guido (Guy) Fawkes was one of the men involved in the plot.
What is figurative language?
Figurative language is often used in fiction and poetry and involves using figures of speech to give a text more depth and richness.
It often involves comparing things to other things to create an image in the reader’s mind.
In KS2, metaphors, similes, idioms, personification, onomatopoeia and hyperbole are all examples of figurative language that could be explored.
National Curriculum English programme of study links
- To discuss author’s use of language, including figurative language.
- To plan writing by discussing writing that is similar to that which they are planning to write.
- To write setting descriptions.
- To select appropriate grammar and vocabulary, understanding how choices can change and enhance meaning.