Writing paragraph two of an emotive narrative scene in 'Whale Rider'
I can write paragraph two of an emotive narrative scene for the climax of ‘Whale Rider’.
Writing paragraph two of an emotive narrative scene in 'Whale Rider'
I can write paragraph two of an emotive narrative scene for the climax of ‘Whale Rider’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The emotive scene is written over two paragraphs and it is important to demonstrate a change in atmosphere.
- Using a range of sentence types (simple, compound and complex) improves text flow and cohesion.
- Precise and ambitious vocabulary, including 'show-not-tell' language, is used to convey an emotive atmosphere.
- Direct speech and characters' internal thoughts are used to convey their emotions.
- Oral rehearsal before writing helps to structure grammatically correct sentences and check for sense.
Keywords
Emotive - evoking intense feelings or emotions
'show-not-tell' - shows a character’s feelings by describing their actions, body language and facial expressions
Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text
Internal thoughts - personal feelings and opinions typically not spoken aloud
Common misconception
Internal thoughts are always written from the first person perspective of the character.
In this piece, pupils will not switch between the third person and the first person perspective. Ensure pupils use their plan with ideas for Paikea's internal thoughts and model how to write these in the third person.
To help you plan your year 4 english lesson on: Writing paragraph two of an emotive narrative scene in 'Whale Rider', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 english lesson on: Writing paragraph two of an emotive narrative scene in 'Whale Rider', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the 'Whale Rider': narrative writing unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You must have access to the film 'Whale Rider' (South Pacific Pictures, 2002) to complete this unit. Images of the characters and scenes from the film will be helpful.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
All their efforts had been for nothing.
Paikea waded into the water and she reached out with a trembling hand.
Koro stared helplessly as he hurried forward.