Writing the opening of 'The BFG' (part two)
I can write the second part of a narrative opening based on ‘The BFG’.
Writing the opening of 'The BFG' (part two)
I can write the second part of a narrative opening based on ‘The BFG’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The purpose of a narrative opening is to introduce the characters and to describe the setting to the reader.
- Saying sentences aloud before they are written helps to check for sense.
- Using the full range of sentence types (simple, compound and complex) improves text flow for the reader.
- Fronted adverbials of time, place and manner add extra detail to the main clause.
- 'Show-not-tell' language shows a character’s feelings by describing their actions, body language and facial expressions.
Keywords
Text flow - how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
Fronted adverbial - a sentence starter followed by a comma
Past tense - shows that the action happened before now
Complex sentence - a sentence formed of at least one main clause and a subordinate clause
Common misconception
Pupils might find it challenging when writing in the irregular past tense.
Refer to the Year 3 unit 'Tense forms: simple, progressive and perfect' for opportunities for further discrete grammar teaching around tense.
Equipment
You will need access to the 1989 film version of 'The BFG' for this lesson.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
floorboards
silent
bellowed
furiously
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Sophie froze in fear.
Sophie’s jaw dropped and she shrieked in horror.
As she edged across the floorboards, Mrs Clonkers bellowed furiously.