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Year 3

Writing the first diary entry based on 'The Firework Maker's Daughter'

I can write my first diary entry from the perspective of Lila.

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Year 3

Writing the first diary entry based on 'The Firework Maker's Daughter'

I can write my first diary entry from the perspective of Lila.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. We use notes from our plan to form a range of full sentences.
  2. Fronted adverbials of time communicate the chronology of events in a recount.
  3. Conjunctions are used to create a range of sentence types.
  4. Hyperbole is used to exaggerate emotions in a diary entry.
  5. The use of progressive past and simple past tenses is an effective way to recount experiences and feelings.

Keywords

  • Hyperbole - exaggerated statements or claims

  • Progressive past tense - a verb form used to refer to an action that was ongoing at a time in the past

  • Simple past tense - a verb form used to refer to an action that happened in the past

Common misconception

Children may find it difficult to understand the distinction between hyperbole and metaphors.

Explain that hyperbole always uses exaggeration and doesn't need to be metaphorical. E.g. 'That is the best news I have ever heard.' Metaphors can involve exaggeration but do not need to. E.g. 'That is music to my ears.'


To help you plan your year 3 english lesson on: Writing the first diary entry based on 'The Firework Maker's Daughter', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Model example compound sentences where both main clauses are written in the simple past tense and ask the children to adapt one clause into the progressive past tense.
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Teacher tip
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Equipment

You will need a copy of the 2018 Penguin Random House UK edition of ‘The Firework Maker's Daughter' by Philip Pullman for this lesson.

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
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Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
How does a written plan support in writing?
You copy out the plan.
Correct answer: You use the notes to form full sentences.
You read it to remind yourself but then put it away.
Q2.
Order the events for paragraph one of Lila's first diary entry.
1 - She was learning how to make fireworks in her father's workshop.
2 - She experimented with ingredients.
3 - She invented her own unique firework.
Q3.
Which of the following thoughts would Lila be likely to write when she was experimenting with fireworks?
Correct answer: It was exhilarating to watch!
I couldn't believe my ears.
Correct answer: I felt SO proud of myself.
I was so deflated.
Q4.
Order the events for paragraph two of Lila's first diary entry.
1 - Lila's father told her there were many things she didn't know about fireworks.
2 - Lila told her father that it was her dream to be a firework-maker.
3 - Lila's father told her that she should focus on finding a husband instead.
Q5.
Which of the following thoughts would Lila be likely to write after her father told her she could not be a firework-maker?
Correct answer: I didn't understand why he wouldn't tell me the secret.
I felt so accepted and understood by my dad.
Correct answer: My heart shattered into a million pieces.
I was so excited.
Q6.
Why are fronted adverbials of time a key linguistic feature in diary entries?
They make it more interesting to read.
Correct answer: They show the chronology of events.
They show the manner in which an action was done.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a hyperbole?
an accurate statement
Correct answer: an exaggerated statement
a question
Q2.
What is the simple past tense?
a verb form used to refer to an action happening in the present
Correct answer: a verb form used to refer to an action that happened in the past
a verb form used to refer to an ongoing action
Q3.
What is the progressive past tense?
a verb form used to refer to an action that is going to happen
Correct answer: a verb form used to refer to an action that was ongoing at a time in the past
a verb form used to refer to an action that happened in the past
Q4.
Which of the following are examples of the simple past tense?
Correct answer: I learnt the trick.
I was listening.
Correct answer: I was shocked.
I was feeling shocked.
Q5.
Which of the following are examples of the progressive past tense?
I felt happy.
Correct answer: I was feeling sad.
Correct answer: I was exploring.
I invented a firework.
Q6.
Which of the following sentences is written using both the progressive past and simple past tenses?
Correct answer: I was learning about fireworks and I loved every moment.
I went to my father's workshop and learnt about fireworks.
Correct answer: I was listening to my father's views on my future and I felt deflated.